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 – (4) Tickle My Fancy cuts back to a sprint and should prove best here. (2) House of Magic will be dangerous if he takes to turf. (6) Katerini fits nicely in this spot. (7) Keychain Girl is worth a look off the claim. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4. Exactas: 2-4 over 6-7 and 6-7 over 2-4.
3rd race – (3) Sushi Sticks is drilling sharply for her career debut and should handle this field. (5) Acclaimed Preacher could contend while switching to turf. (6) Lady Lithesome seems set for a good showing in her debut. (1) Harney Lane has the right pedigree for turf. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-6. Doubles: 1-3-5-6 with 1-3-6.
4th race – (3) Wynstock debuts for Baffert and looks best here. (1) Rothschild could take a step forward in this field. (6) Ultra Power seems primed for a solid effort in his debut. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6.
6th race – (3) Handsome Harry could perk up in a claimer. (6) Halo Uncle will welcome a return to dirt. (2) Wicked Facts could be a factor in his debut. (4) Havoc could move forward off his debut. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-6. Doubles: 2-3-4-6 with 1-3-4-8.
7th race – (8) Rose Maddox didn’t fire on turf but will be well-suited by turf. (4) Ultimate Hy has a nice late kick and looks like the one to fear. (1) Chancery Way could be tough to catch from the rail. (3) Eddie’s New Dream is in sharp form and cannot be overlooked. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-8.