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 – (5) Lauriston drops into a claimer for the first time and looks best with Irad in the saddle. (10) Summer in Toga is a firster who can be a factor in this group. (3) Await also gets a class drop into a claimer. (4) Bal de Mar returns to turf and seems ready for a nice effort. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-10.
3rd race – (1) Fontana Di Trevi was a distant second last time and gets a positive switch to Gaffalione. (6) Lady Meghan could be a factor in her career debut. (2) Classy Chatterbox showed speed and tired in her debut. Should benefit from that effort. (5) Motown Omi is training sharply for her debut. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-6.
6th race – (4) Julee’s Legacy was a game second last time and should make amends here. (2) Sophia’s Storm may pose a threat in the stretch. (3) Trevess figures to benefit from a return to dirt. (1) Major Pryce got a rest after her winning streak was snapped. Is working well for her return. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-4. Doubles: 1-2-3-4 with 1-7-8-9.
7th race – (8) Gosger is a firster working like he has a bright future. (7) Majorca could be another dangerous first-time starter from Pletcher. (1) Commendatore was second in his debut and looks best of the experienced runners. (9) Ain’t No Disco has late speed and should be closing late. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7-8-9.
11th race - (10) Cugino was a rallying second in an Aqueduct stakes and looks best in this spot. (4) Palm Tree was hurt by a wide trip. Should get a better one here. (9) Silent Heart rarely turns in a bad effort and belongs in the exotics. (1) Live High Live Low should appreciate the stretch-out to two turns. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-9-10.