By 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 4^th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

1^st race – (3) Gabagool was third in his last two tries and seems poised for an initial win. (6) Whaddya Mean may rebound back on Tapeta. (5) Maclin could be a threat in the final furlong. (7) Image of Curlin should be at home on synthetics. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-7.

3rd race – (4) Ice the Kicker should welcome the stretchout to two turns.  (1) Pirate Radio may be effective at this level. (6) Magicshadow should pose a late threat. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6. Doubles: 1-4-6 with 3-5-6-7.

4th race – (5) Flat Top Box adds blinkers and may be ready for a winning trip. (3) Song On the Radio looks like the one to catch here. (6) Daring Reason is a firster who could be a factor here. (7) For the Chief might sneak into the picture at the end. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-7.

7th race – (5) Lucy’s Cookie has sharp early speed and may not look back in this spot. (6) Art Show Lady missed by a head and should be the one to fear. (7) Warda cannot be overlooked in this spot. (1) Laconia will be a factor from the rail. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-5-6-7.

9th race – (6) Tapit Three Times comes off a sharp win and can make it two in a row. (7) Echo Lane also exits a win and should be the main foe. (5) Hot N Lucky has the potential to be a main factor off the Joseph claim. (4) Roan deserves consideration in the field. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-7.