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 4th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.
1st race – (5) Classymademoiselle seeks a third straight win and looks best in this field. (4) Roman Empress steps up off a win and should be the main rival. (1) Yolo Calls is worth a look back on turf. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5. Doubles: 1-4-5 with 1-3-5.
2nd race – (3) Ah Jeez drops into a claimer and should handle this field. (5) Dandy Man Shines should pose a late threat. (1) Irish Prophet will benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5.
4th race – (9) Thought Process moves to turf and seems to have a nice pedigree for it. (8) Aransas Pass is an interesting first-time starter. (4) Lee’s Baby Girl will welcome a return to turf. (3) Thirsty Destiny could perk up here. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-8-9.
7th race – (2) Kalea Bay makes his debut for Baffert and can win at first asking. (1) Unique Power is another interesting firster who deserves a long look. (3) Smash It was second in both starts and belongs in the exotics. (5) Citizen Bull is another Baffert firster who cannot be overlooked. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-5. Doubles: 1-2-3-5 with 1-3-4-5.
8th race – (5) Buchu was hurt by a wide trip in a Grade 1 stakes and can make amends here. (1) Iscreamuscream will be tough to catch from the rail. (4) Zona Verde was a good second last time and will be a main contender. (3) Whiskey Decision ships in from the East looking for a fourth straight win and can make her presence felt. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-5.