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 – (3) Whatta World returns to turf and seems primed for a winning effort. (2) Scrupulous should appreciate a drop into a claimer. (5) Interception could pick this one off in her debut. (9) No Violence is a firster Asmussen who merits attention. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-9.

3rd race – (5) West Omaha is a firster from Cox who seems set for a big effort in her debut. (6) Controlled Temper was second in her debut and is the one to fear. (9) Fundamentally cannot be ignored off a second in her first start. (10) Mugen showed speed and settled for third. Could be tough to catch with the right pace scenario. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-9-10.

5th race – (9) Gin Gin was second in her first try for Cox and gets the nod here. (11) Platinum Minit was hurt by a wide trip and can rebound here. (4) Perfect Shot is an Asmussen firster who appears to have some potential. (8) Flight to Paris seems on edge for a strong effort. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-8-9-11. Doubles: 4-8-9-11 with 1-3-10-11.

6th race – (1) Huntress for Hire cuts back to six furlongs and will be a top contender from the rail. (3) Pistol was second in her last two tries and can complete the exacta again. (10) High Class has enough speed to be a factor throughout. (11) The Great Maybe makes her 2023 debut and is working sharply. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-3-10-11.

8th race – (3) Mo Fight missed by a neck last time in an improved performance. Gets his diploma today. (10) Create Trouble disappointed last time but can rebound here. (1) Sahalat will benefit from a rail trip. (6) Hero’s Medal could shine at a one-turn mile. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-10.