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 – (2) Ez Tree Ates is a firster who can get the job done at first asking. (8) Gerlin’s Empire had some trouble last time and should be the main threat. (10) Maclean’s Lullaby could wake up here. (1) Itwillbefun seems set for a solid debut. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-8-10. Double: 1-2-8-10 with 1-2-6-7.

2nd race – (6) Low Country Magic adds blinkers and will welcome a return to dirt. (7) Cha Cha Chukka also may benefit from a surface switch. (1) Classy’n Connected exits a sharp maiden win and should like the distance. (2) Wits and Wagers can be a contender while moving up from a claiming win. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-7.

4th race – (1) Pretty Capable is working quickly and should fire in his debut. (2) Troubleshooting is another promising firster. (4) Riddler could solve the puzzle here. (9) Spiced Up seems to fit with these. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-2-4-9.

6th race – (5) Book’em was second in her debut and graduates here. (8) Flash Wear is worth a look after finishing second in a claimer. (6) Split Success can succeed in her career debut. (2) Her Holy Name may appreciate the surface switch. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-8.

8th race – (6) Mo Rhodes drops to a level where he should be effective. (3) Game Keeper drops off a claim and cannot be overlooked. (8) Forged in Fire has speed and may hang on here. (4) Mr McGregor can make his presence felt. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-8.