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) Man On the Moon returns to the level where he won at Gulfstream Park and seems best in this spot. (3) Mike Operator has plenty of speed and is the one to fear. (7) Secret Touch has been away for 11 months but is working sharply for his return. (9) Perfect Cut could be tough in this spot. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-7-9.
3rd race – (3) Lady T has been racing in graded stakes and has a class edge here. (2) Doris Mae seems like the one to catch in the stretch. (1) Anywho might appreciate the turnback to a sprint. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3. Doubles: 1-2-3 with 2-3-5-7.
4th race – (7) Zeyaraat should turn in a strong effort while dropping into a claimer. (3) Musical Rhapsody could make some sweet noise in her U.S. debut. (2) A Crown for Kitten may be a factor in the final furlong. (5) Unfaithful Ways cannot be ignored in this field. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-7
6th race – (8) Lansdowne was second in his last two starts and should return to the winner’s circle here. (1) Devil Moon has enough speed to benefit from a rail trip. (3) Single Track Mind adds blinkers and will be a factor in the final furlong. (6) Tigerhon should be sharp in his third start after a layoff. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-8. Doubles: 1-3-6-8 with 3-5-6-7.
7th race – (3) Ceiling Crusher won her last two starts by a combined margin of more than 30 lengths. Looks much the best here. (6) Big Pond won her debut and could be talented enough to be a main threat. (5) Tom’s Regret has yet to be worse than third and deserves serious consideration. (7) Smiling Lady will be a factor on her best try. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6. Exactas: 3-6 over 5-7 and 5-7 over 3-6.