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 – (3) Ang N Ash had some trouble last time and can make amends here. (6) April Vintage has speed and could be tough to catch. (5) Putt for Dough will welcome a return to turf. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6. Double: 3-5-6 with 1-3-6.
2nd race – (1) Elector was a good third at this level and will benefit from a rail trip. (3) Keen Heir could wake up for Yakteen. (6) Soul of Midnight is training nicely for this effort. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6.
4th race – (5) Usha was second in her debut for Baffert and gets a maiden win here. (1) Mac and Cheese could serve up a big effort in her debut. (7) Tenma is a firster from Baffert who deserves consideration. (6) Wren is another promising firster. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-7.
8th race – (5) Mirahmadi is overdue for a maiden win and gets it today. (6) Abitmischievous was second the last two times and will be the main rival. (3) Wayne the Brain had some trouble in his debut and merits a second chance. (7) Shofner could be a threat in his debut. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-7. Doubles: 3-5-6-7 with 1-2-7-10.
9th race – (2) Stay and Scam is highly consistent with no finish worse than third in her last nine starts. Gets the nod here. (7) Uncontrollable should appreciate a return to turf. (1) Tom’s Regret has some speed and will benefit from a rail journey. (10) Safa had a tough trip last time and should be a threat here. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-10.