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) Shesterkin debuts for Pletcher and seems ready for a solid effort. (6) Kentucky Joker has some experience and that could pay off in this field. (8) Centrist Road is another Pletcher firster who merits attention. (5) Case is also training sharply for his debut. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-8. Doubles: 2-5-6-8 with 3-4-5.

3rd race – (4) Frank’s Rockette disappointed in the Breeders’ Cup but can bounce back here. (3) Restofthestory was a good second last time and can be a main contender here. (5) Edie Meeny Miny Mo has sharp early speed and might hang on until the finish. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5.

5th race – (7) Expect More (B) had a bad start in his debut but still managed to finish third. Can work out a smooth trip with a clean start here. (2) Baby Billy has been no worse than third in his three career starts and should be the main rival. (4) Dream Knight was second last time and adds blinkers here. (8) Jungfrau seems capable of an improved effort. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-7-8.

7th race – (1) Scotish Star comes off two good efforts after a lengthy layoff and seems ready to handle stakes company. (6) Secret Time might improve on a stretchout. (10) Lady Rockstar is working nicely for her first start since July. (3) Bay Storm could be hard to catch in this field. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-10.

9th race – (4) Shadow Sphinx was second in his last two starts and seems overdue for a win. (12) Colonel Liam holds a big class edge but may need a race. (7) City Man rarely turns in a bad effort and belongs in the exotics. (1) Street Ready should benefit from a ground-saving trip from the rail. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-7-12.