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 – (1) Heartland is working quickly for Baffert and should win at first asking. (2) Flight Way gets Mike Smith for his debut and seems set for a big effort. (4) Head Lad gives Baffert a strong hand in this race. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4. Doubles: 1-2-4 with 1-4-6-10.
2nd race – (4) Cherubic Factor should work out a good trip here and can prove best in the stretch. (1) Standing O may get one if he can prevail from the rail. (10) Nabokov could be a factor in his turf debut. (6) Unconquerable Keen could be tough to catch here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-10.
6th race – (5) Like No Other returns to a claimer and should respond with a winning effort. (8) Sugar Sugar fits in nicely at this level. (7) Back On the Street should be a threat in the late stages. (12) Major Pryce was second last time and is worth a look here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7-8-12.
8th race – (6) Defunded should be able to lead throughout and post a third straight graded stakes win for Baffert. (1) Slow Down Andy was no factor in the Met Mile but can rebound here. (7) Senor Buscador can be a threat on his best try. (5) American Admiral looks to be on the upswing. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-7.
10th race – (9) Sibelius appears capable of a big bounce-back victory in this field. (11) Dr. Schivel loves this track and is the one to fear. (1) Hoist the Gold has speed and will benefit from a rail trip. (2) Spirit of Makena seems on edge for his Grade 1 stakes debut. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-9-11.