Buy TicketsBy 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 4th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.
1st race – (7) Casino Boss debuts for Cox and seems set for a big effort. (10) Tapitboy should perk up in a claimer. (2) Who’s Snow Trouble has speed and could last for a share. (3) Metronome fits in nicely with this group. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-10.
3rd race – (2) Little Dixie returns to a claimer and looks best here. (3) Luna Moth will welcome a return to dirt. (1) Lady With a Cause will benefit from a rail trip. (5) Pachanga Loca was second in her last two starts and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-5. Doubles: 1-2-3-5 with 5-6-9-11.
4th race – (6) Spirit’s Mischief put in a quick blowout for this and should graduate at first asking. (5) Norwich is another firster who merits close attention. (11) Big Fig shapes up as a main contender. (9) Bye Bye Liam could have a say in the outcome. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-9-11.
7th race – (2) Promises to Dance should return to top form back on dirt. (5) Corner Kick seeks a third straight win and looms the main rival. (8) Story Hour can rebound back in a claimer. (1) Holiday Decision should be a factor from the rail. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-8. Doubles: 1-2-5-8 with 1-3-6-9.
8th race – (9) Gavea makes her first U.S. debut and should handle this field. (1) Go Margie Go merits some attention on turf. (3) Catholic Girl won her debut on turf and should be a main contender. (6) Easy Red has an interesting pedigree for turf. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-9.