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 – (7) Neon Lights should welcome the five-furlong distance and hang on for a maiden win. (1) Belmont Bill looms the main threat from the rail. (3) Midnight Fury should move forward after his first race in more than a year. (4) Captain Sparrow is worth a look in this field. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-7.
3rd race – (2) Rijeka had a rough trip last time and could bounce back with a winning effort here. (1) Nineeleventurbo will benefit from a ground saving trip. (5) Seven Wonders has some speed and could be hard to catch. (4) Cowboy Justice may appreciate the added distance. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2. Exactas: 1-2 over 4-5 and 4-5 over 1-2.
5th race – (2) Dark Marcus gets back on turf and seems poised for a winning effort. (3) Moon Ice could be suited by the added distance. (5) Panthera’s Fate should move forward after rallying belatedly in his debut. (6) Grazed may not look back on the front end. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-6.
7th race – (1) Twilight Gleaming weakened late at Ascot, but should not look back here. (7) Wide West seeks a third straight win and looks like the one to fear. (8) Tony Ann figures to be a main threat in the late stages. (2) Tom’s Regret fits in nicely with this field. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-8. Doubles: 1-2-7-8 with 2-3-9-10.
8th race – (2) Ballynum is working out nicely for his debut and gets the nod in a field loaded with firsters. (3) Artist Point also seems on edge for his first try. (9) Mr. Dreamcycle has experience on his side and should be a major player. (10) Shining Tiger is worth a look in this spot. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-9-10.