By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman

Hot List Key:

A : A preferred horse to watch                   B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches in the final 3 minutes and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4^th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

1^st race – (7) Gardiner (A) was a good second in a starter race and should get a win here. (5) Righteous Star looks like the best threat. (2) Secret Trouble seeks a third straight win and should be in the picture. (3) Vamos Carlitos may fare better on dirt. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-7. Doubles: 2-3-5-7 with 1-3-6-7.

2nd race – (6) Big Hat Willie was a keen winner at Indianapolis and gets top billing here. (7) Eli’s Promise will be a force if he can duplicate his last try. (1) High Standard will benefit from a rail trip. (3) Major Blue may wake up in a claimer. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-7.

4th race – (3) All the Luck was second for the third time in his career and is overdue for a maiden win. (2) J David was second in his debut and is the one to fear. (11) Allied Commander could have a say in the outcome while making his debut. (9) Canisius fits better in a claimer. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-9-11.

7th race – (1) Spurgeon rallied for second in his second start and records a win from the rail. (2) Scorpius may appreciate a switch to dirt. (8) Morlock was second the last three times and belongs in the exotics. (3) Publisher will get a boost from a dry track  Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-8.

9^th race - (8) Shiloh’s Mistress switches to Maker’s barn and shapes up as the one to beat. (7) Hay Stack should be charging in the final furlong. (6) Big Trouble is a threat on his best try. (4) Janey Creed can take a step forward off a useful comeback race. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-7-8.