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) River Boy won easily last time and from the rail can make it two in a row. (3) Primer Dimer can bounce back here. (7) Commander Carl returns to a winning level. (4) Santa Cruiser could be a factor at the end. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-7. Doubles: 1-3-4-7 with 1-3-5.
2nd race – (5) Collins is a firster from Walsh who looks best here. (1) Truth Explained seems primed for a strong debut. (3) Nullify should not be overlooked. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5.
5th race – (5) Release McCraken could be capable of a big effort while switching to turf. (1) Mounsieur Coco will be better suited by turf. (2) Bal a Kazoo won his last and merits suspect. (6) Chiseler might perk up on turf. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-6.
8th race – (7) Quick Hammer makes his 2023 debut and can start on a winning note. (2) Loyal Company will welcome a return to a sprint distance. (6) King’s Glory looks like the one to catch in this field. (8) Itzos should respond to the turnback to a sprint. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-7-8.
9th race – (2) Just Say So is overdue for a maiden win and should collect one here. (1) Pool Noodle looks like a talented first-time starter who can make her presence felt. (3) Scatlie was a fast-closing third in her debut and cannot be ignored. (4) Boppy was a good third in her turf debut and fits in nicely with this group. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-4.