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 4th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.
1st race – (2) Blue Maverick showed speed but weakened late and finished sixth in his turf debut. Might hang on this time. (4) Phobia had a useful comeback race and can move forward here. (9) Silver N Black might appreciate a switch to turf. (8) Highly Unlikely will be better suited by a return to turf. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-8-9.
3rd race – (3) Favorable Scenario is a firster from Brown who has been working sharply for his debut. Merits top billing. (8) Delegated returns from a layoff and is worth a look. (2) Etnico is also training forwardly for his debut. (5) Point Liam has some speed and could last for a share of the purse. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-8.
6th race – (6) Lakeside Gateway (B) had trouble last time and should turn in a better effort on Tapeta. (2) Solo Album will welcome a return to Tapeta. (5) Tapit’s Approval may respond to a switch to Tapeta. (1) Take It South should benefit from a rail trip . Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-6. Doubles: 1-2-5-6 with 2-3-5-7.
7th race – (7) Miss J McKay (A) rallied strongly to win last time out and can make it two in a row here. (5) Charlie T has a lot of speed and looks like the one to catch. (2) Stony Point should be a factor on his best try. (3) Imagery was second to the top pick and can make her presence felt. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-7.
10th race – (3) Arthur’s Ride was second in his two starts at Saratoga and seems poised to win in his comeback. (8) Dreamlike is a firster from Pletcher who might emerge as the main rival. (7) Secret Threat was second in his debut and should be a major force. (4) Justice Department could be a contender in his debut for Brown. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-7-8.
No. | Letter/Last race | Today’s race | Comment | ||||||
(6) | Lakeside Getaway | B, 1/8 | 6 GP | Had a tough trip last time | |||||
(7) | Miss J McKay | A, 12/24 | 7 GP | Comes off an impressive win |