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 – (3) Fifth Avenue (B) had some trouble in his debut at Churchill Downs and still finished fourth. Looks best here. (8) Lambo seems ready for a big effort in his debut. (2) Golden Symphony is another firster with promising works. (5) Hey Joe Joe should be a factor here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-8. Doubles: 2-3-5-8 with 3-5-6. Pick 3: 2-3-5-8 with 3-5-6 with 1-5-6-8.

3rd race – (5) Everso Mischievous was an impressive maiden winner and can handle winners here. (6) Communication Memo flopped in a stakes but can bounce back here. (3) Graphic Detail was a game second last time and will be a threat here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6. Doubles: 3-5-6 with 1-5-6-8.

4th race – (1) Harry Hood (B) had some trouble when fourth last time and can prevail here from the rail. (8) Baba Voss makes his first start since August and will be a main factor if ready. (5) Noises Off should appreciate a switch to turf. (6) Dai Vernon is a firster who can be a contender here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-8.

6th race – (6) Circle Back Jack was second in his last two starts and should land in the winner’s circle. (5) Jay Vee Bee had some trouble last time and can rebound here. (2) Master Game could wake up in this spot. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6. Doubles: 2-5-6 with 1-2-5-6.

7th race – (1) American Starlet had some trouble in her 2023 debut and can make amends here. (2) Linguistic should be closing quickly at the end. (5) Altered Shot could be a factor on turf. (6) Frozen Solid fits in with this group. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-6.