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) Pirate Radio drops off the D’Angelo claim and looks best here. (3) Bachman should handle the switch to Tapeta. (2) Battle of Dover takes a big class drop and should be effective here. (4) Jake’s Affection could be a threat at this level. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-5. Double: 2-3-4-5 with 1-2-6-7. Pick 3: 2-3-4-5 with 1-2-6-7 with 1-3-6.
2nd race – (2) Alexis Zorba makes his first start for Maker and should be tough to catch. (6) Charge Off makes his debut for Pletcher and could be the main threat. (7) Ajaayb has speed and looms a threat here. (1) Exercise of Power may move forward off his debut. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-7. Doubles: 1-2-6-7 with 1-3-6.
3rd race – (1) Lucky Peridot was second in her last two tries at this level and seems overdue for a win. (6) Steel Racer is worth a close look in this field. (3) Miles of Smiles should be a stretch threat. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6.
6th race – (3) Bletchley Girl drops a notch and should benefit from a switch to Jose Ortiz. (2) Zisisit could wake up in this field. (7) Win Dixie Ronnie should be a top threat off the David claim. (4) Wicklow Gal has enough early speed to be a factor. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-7.
8th race – (10) Jesters Honor moves into Maker’s barn and could lead throughout from the outside post. (8) Born a Gambler will welcome a return to turf. (1) Stride was victorious in his last start on turf. (3) Mo Vanishing should work out a good trip here. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-8-10.