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.
2nd race – (3) Stents and Statins had a useful debut in the MSW ranks and should handle claimers. (1) Floribunda also tackles claimers for the first time and will be the main threat from the rail. (2) Sheila’s Mission is an interesting first-time starter. (6) Seat At the Table may wake up in a claimer. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-6.
4th race – (2) Miss Sayely has sharp speed and may control the race from an inside post. (3) Belle’s Blue Bell has stakes experience and should be the main foe. (1) Unrelentless will welcome the class relief here. (4) Mist is dangerous on her best try. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-4. Doubles: 1-2-3-4 with 1-2-3-7.
5th race – (1) Veterans Beach stretches out after running in a sprint and should prevail from the rail. (2) Fredo has a nice turn of speed and may prove tough to catch. (3) Extreme Access was second last time out and cannot be ignored. (7) Spy Novel should be a main contender in this field. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-7.
7th race – (7) Like a Saltshaker had a three-race winning streak snapped in the slop. Can return to his winning ways here on Tapeta. (12) Pico d’Oro should appreciate a return to synthetics. (9) Competitive Saint is in great form and belongs in the exotics. (1) Hope in Him should be a force from the rail. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7-9-12. Doubles: 1-7-9-12 with 1-2-5-8.
8th race – (1) Jigsaw can lead throughout from the rail. (2) Natural Star is worth a long look while moving to dirt. (5) Whateverwilbewilbe exits a win and should not be overlooked. (8) Rye’s My Guy might move forward on dirt. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-8.