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 – (3) Steel Lute comes off a win at Aqueduct and can make it two in a row here. (7) Tutta La Vita was Group 1-placed in Australia and is coming off a break. Looks like the one to fear. (1) Lady Cha Cha could perk up in her debut for Joseph. (4) By Any Other Name may wake up in this spot. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-7.
3rd race – (10) Now Showing takes a class drop and adds Irad. Looks best here. (3) Chaina is worth a look in her debut for Sweezey. (8) Amor Y Control could be tough to catch in this field. (5) Whiteknuckleflyer won at this level and cannot be overlooked. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-8-10.
5th race – (7) Tappan Street debuts for Cox and seems set for a strong effort. (4) Abundance is a firster from Pletcher who should be a main factor. (3) Jimmy’s Dailys was third in his debut in June and merits attention here. (8) Share the Ludt has speed and fits nicely here. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-7-8.
8th race – (1) Mrs. Gambolini makes her stakes debut and could register a win from the rail. (12) Twirling Queen has the outside post but should be the main rival. (8) Imaboutago looks like the one to catch in this spot. (10) Karaya may respond to a switch to turf. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-8-10-12
10th race - (6) Mufasa returns to a one-turn sprint and should be at his best here. (10) White Abarrio turned in a huge comeback race but may bounce off it. (9) Illuminare has won 3 of 4 starts and belongs in the exotics. (1) Playmea Tune could be a contender from the rail. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-9-10.