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) Fighting the Wars didn’t fire in a sprint but stretches out and gets Irad. (9) Dazzle A. P. may sparkle in his debut. (11) Nyquistador is another firster who could be a promising runner. (10) Oasis Prince may respond to a switch back to turf. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-9-10-11.
4th race – (2) Light the Torch has speed and an inside post and may be in control throughout. (7) Popstyle was a good second last time and looks like the one to fear. (6) Blond Jak won his last and is from a barn off to a hot start at the meet. (4) Garuda will be well-suited by the distance. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-7.
7th race – (8) Forward Deployed has run into trouble in both career starts. Can take this with a clean trip. (5) Tam I Am was second the last two times. How about a hat trick? (7) My Emmy rallied for third in her debut and will appreciate the added ground. (9) Brisa Veloz could be a threat in her debut. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7-8-9.
9th race – (3) Break Out exits stakes company and looks best here. (5) Adventurous Spirit broke his maiden last time and should be a main contender against winners. (2) Catch a Tiger could steal this on the front end. (8) Highwayman won by a neck at Laurel and should get some consideration. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-8.
11th race - (3) Hedge My Bet showed speed and finished fourth in her debut. May not look back here. (12) El Megeeth was third last time and looms as the main rival. (1) Restless Dreamer will be helped by a rail trip. (7) Selfless had a useful debut and should make her presence felt here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-7-12.