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 – (5) Eisenhower has a great pedigree for turf and should win at first asking. (3) Murphy Boy seems set for a big effort in her debut. (2) Dark Vintage showed speed when third in his debut and cannot be ignored. (1) Ziskey could be a contender in this field. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-5.
3rd race – (2) Cali Bay takes a class drop after hitting the rail last time. Should rebound with a better try here. (3) Brother Reid flew home for second and may be the one to fear. (8) Relaxed Artist had a rough trip last time and can be a contender. (4) Thirsty Pappy will appreciate a return to turf. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-8.
5th race – (6) M Is for Magic lacked room when second last time and can make amends here. (1) Denim in Gold may shine in a return to turf. (4) Linda’s Gift returns from a layoff for Mandella and cannot be ignored. (8) Itzel could be tough to catch here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-8.
7th race – (2) Taishan was bumped at the start and finished seventh. Drops to a level where he should prevail. (5) Tiz Plus had a useful comeback race and figures to move forward here. (10) Subsidize gets back on turf and cannot be ignored. (3) Burnin Turf could wake up here. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-10. Doubles: 2-3-5-10 with 2-3-8-11.
8th race – (8) Princess Tenko returns to a claimer and should prove best in this spot. (11) Midnight Silence will be dangerous if she can overcome the outside post. (2) Shambala Girl adds blinkers and may wake up. (3) Miss Joanie could be a contender in this field. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-8-11.