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.

1st race – (5) Mo for Us is a firster from Asmussen who seems revved up for a big effort. (1) Butterfly Queen is another firster who appears capable of a big effort. (7) Classy’n Connected has been working nicely since a useful debut. (3) Miss Claudette could have an impact in her debut. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-7. Doubles: 1-3-5-7 with 3-4-5-6.

2nd race – (6) Cairo’s Ghost was a troubled fourth in his debut. Was gelded since then and should welcome the added distance. (5) Big Skippy could be a factor in his debut. (3) Fayette Spirit rallied nicely late and adds blinkers here. (4) Clyde’s Got a Gun may improve off a third in his debut. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-6.

4th race – (4) Bango is the epitome of a horse for a course. In 18 starts at Churchill Downs, he has 10 wins, 2 seconds and 2 thirds. He adds to that win total today. (3) Strobe is highly consistent and looks like the main rival. (6) Necker Island will be dangerous on his best try.  Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6.

7th race – (7) Youalmosthadme stumbled at the start of the Ellis Park Debutante and still finished third against several of her rivals here. She can prevail with better racing luck. (8) Courbe comes from a top outfit and deserves a long look in this field. (9) Hot Beach won the Debutante and gets Prat here. Seems a major threat. (3) Riperton rallied for second in the Debutante and will enjoy the longer trip. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place.  Exacta box: 3-7-8-9.

9th race – (8) Risk It was an impressive debut winner at Saratoga and has the breeding to handle two turns. (9) Patriot Spirit may have benefitted from a quick racing surface at Colonial but his Beyer figure was solid and he merits respect. (7) Gettysburg Address won his debut and may have a say in the outcome. (4) Edified had a rough trip in the Saratoga Special and deserves a second chance. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-7-8-9.