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 – (6) Weekend Concerto takes a big class drop and should prove best. (8) Imapeppa fits in nicely here. (4) First Shot Fired drops off a claim by a hot trainer. (1) Red Abarrio can make some noise at this level. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-8.
3rd race – (2) Boldness returns to a level where he should be effective. (6) Slim Man won his last and cannot be ignored here. (5) Rhymes Like Dimes was hurt by a wide trip. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6.
6th race – (3) Ocala Rocket should wake up dropping into a claimer. (5) Sharp Wonder is a firster who can make his presence felt. (10) Rhum Saint Esprit is another interesting newcomer. (6) Sniper Jack will be a factor on his best try. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-10.
8th race – (8) Military Road had a useful debut and can move forward in his second try. (5) Money Magician heads into his debut off some solid works. (3) Wistucky has keen early speed and could be tough to catch. (1) Top Conor can be a contender from the rail. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-8.
10th race – (9) Instant Coffee was a Kentucky Derby candidate until an injury sidelined him. Seems ready for his return to the races. (10) Flying Liam seems like the main rival. (3) Dai Vernon exits a sharp Churchill Downs win. (11) Proverb will be a force on his best try. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-9-10-11.