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 – (2) Eligio missed by a nose in his debut and can make amends here. (5) Ready to Storm put in a fast gate work for this. (6) Ace of Clubs was third in his debut and cannot be ignored. (7) Bowtie Boys is worth a look in his debut. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5. Exactas: 2-5 over 6-7 and 6-7 over 2-5.
3rd race – (3) Grand Tiger gets back on turf and gets the nod in this field. (6) Ghostly Act looks like the one to fear. (1) Double Jab will benefit from a rail trip. (8) Black as My Heart can take a step forward in his second start. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-8. Doubles: 1-3-6-8 with 1-5-6-12.
4th race – (12) In Vronsky Style has been first or second in his last three starts and merits top billing here. (1) Windribbon looks like a contender on his best try. (5) What an Idea has a nice turn of speed and could control the pace. (6) Lemon Sushi could be a factor if there’s no rust from a nine-month layoff. Betting strategy: 12 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-12.
6th race – (1) Refocus was third in an open stakes and should be hard to beat back in with Cal-breds. (5) Smokem Ez was an impressive debut winner and looks like the key rival. (3) Last Call London can rebound nicely back with state-breds. (8) Wild Jewels could work out a nice stalking trip from the outside post. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-8.
8th race – (6) L L L Cool missed by a head last time and gets the job done here. (3) Commissioner H could perk up on dirt and in a claimer. (8) Rippin’ Ruis switches to a hot barn. (5) Ice Storm had a tough trip and could heat up here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-8.