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) La Cantera debuts for Joseph Jr. off the claim and looks best in this spot after a runner-up finish last time. (7) More for Sure switches barns and gets Irad with blinkers on. Should be tough here. (2) Annelle could be a factor back in a turf claimer. (1) Better Than Better should be better off on turf. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-7.
3rd race – (5) Zio Lorenzo drops to a level where he should prove best. (7) Hay Moon gets a positive rider switch to Irad. (8) Beganingreenpoint has been working sharply for this. (4) Dundie will welcome the cutback to a sprint. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-7-8.
5th race – (4) Hub City was second last time, snapping a 3-race win streak. Can resume her winning ways here. (1) Fulminate could perk up off a class drop. (5) Bedrock Birdie may take flight here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5. Doubles: 1-4-5 with 1-3-4-5.
6th race – (5) American Surfer is working in solid fashion for her debut and gets the nod here. (4) Sweet Kaufy debuts for Ward and looks like the main threat. (1) No Mo Cookies has speed and the rail and could be a factor throughout. (3) Candy Buzz is another firster who deserves attention. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-5.
9th race - (5) Test Factor should thrive with more distance and looks best here. (7) Reminder cuts back in distance and will be formidable in this group. (8) Manhattan Boy should respond to a return to turf. (3) Themanupfront could be hard to catch here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-7-8.