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.

1st race – (7) Elite Forces makes his debut for Cox and seems ready for a big effort. (6) Macho Villa should respond to running in a claimer. (2) Bourbon Fever could contend off the claim by Davis. (4) Auto Dial is a firster worthy of attention. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-7. Doubles: 2-4-6-7 with 1-2-3-12. Pick 3: 2-4-6-7 with 1-2-3-12 with 1-2-4.

2nd race – (1) Luxuriate (A) missed by a head in her debut and should make amends here. (2) Liam’s Message adds blinkers and looks like the one to fear. (12) Shimmering Allure may benefit from her debut and be a factor here. (3) Tambarella seems ready for a solid effort at first asking. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-12. Doubles: 1-2-3-12 with 1-2-4.

3rd race – (4) Mischievous Rogue seeks a third straight win and is nicely placed here. (2) Let My People Go will be charging strongly in the final furlong. (1) Field Day returns from an 11-month break and will be dangerous if there’s no rust. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4.

6th race – (8) Quality Chic should appreciate the return to dirt and post a maiden win. (9) Unload took a nice step forward in his second start and should be the main rival. (3) Mr. Keating has been no worse than third in two career starts and belongs in the exotics. (5) Mount Craig may welcome the shorter distance. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-8-9.

8th race – (5) Zambezi was a game second in his first try against winners and looks best in this field. (7) Sweet Cherry Pie grabbed second time and looks like the one to fear. (3) Blue Light put in a nice work for this and merits attention. (1) Bohemian Bo has speed and will benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-3-5-7.