By 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 4^th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

2nd race – (2) Des Doights is a firster from Ward who seems ready to win at first asking. (3) Imperial Thunder had a rough trip last time and could wake up in a claimer. (6) Patch O’Brien was third in his debut and belongs in the exotics. (1) Express Cruiser adds blinkers and is worth a look from the rail. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-6. Doubles: 1-2-3-6 with 2-4-6-9.

3rd race – (2) Owen’s Pleasure has been no worse than second in her last four starts and merits top billing here. (4) Violent Point has speed and could be tough to catch here. (6) Donya Know It should be competitive in this field. (9) La V. put in a sharp work for this and is worth a look. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-9.

5th race – (3) Rate Confirmation (B) was a game third last time after a bumpy trip. Can make amends here. (1) Kupp weakened late and finished second. Should be the main rival. (2) Lundberg should be a threat at this level. (5) Rabbit Hound has enough speed to be a factor throughout. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3. Exactas: 1-3 over 2-5 and 2-5 over 1-3. Doubles: 1-2-3-5 with 2-3-6-7.

6th race – (2) Pure Connection debuts for Asmussen and seems poised for a strong showing. (3) Streaming Now put in two bullet works for her debut and cannot be ignored. (6) Foolish Front Fiji was second in her last two starts and should not be overlooked. (7) Lyrical Pardon debuts for Amoss and seems to have some potential.  Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-7.

8th race – (5) Too Fast for You (D) dropped from 2-1 to 8-5 then set the pace before weakening and finishing fourth. Can take a step forward here. (2) Copper Top makes her debut for Asmussen and cannot be overlooked. (11) Bossy Bruin Gal is an interesting firster from O’Neill. (1) Girls Weekend may perk up here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-11.