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.

1st race – (8) Midnight Bella (B) rallied nicely to prevail by a nose. Can make it two in a row here. (5) Crystal Coast drops out of stakes company and may be hard to catch here. (3) Peace Seeker ships in from Woodbine and fits in nicely here. (4) Abuse of Power missed by a nose and should be in the picture once again. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-8.

4th race – (3) Proverb makes his first start since running at Del Mar in the summer. Shows some good works and seems best at this reduced claiming level. (6) Here Comes Bullet steps up after a good third-place effort and will enjoy the shorter distance. (7) Joe Di Baggio should be a factor in this group. (1) Commanding General has speed and will be a force from the rail. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-7. Doubles: 1-3-6-7 with 4-5-6-7.

5th race – (5) Most Wanted Man deserves top billing in this field off the Maker claim. (7) Typhoon Lagoon rallied for third last time and will appreciate the added distance. (6) Benkei should control the pace and may not look back here. (4) Border War has the kind of closing kick that could be effective at this distance. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-7.

7th race – (2) Best Seller was second last time out and will appreciate a cutback in distance. (5) Wheelingndealing seeks a third straight win and should be the main rival. (4) Anotherdaygoneby has been no worse than third in six of her last seven starts and can make her presence felt. (8) Black Belt Barbie has enough speed to be a factor throughout. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-8. Doubles: 2-4-5-8 with 2-3-7-8.

8th race – (7) Over the Channel won nicely last time and can reach the winner’s circle again off the Walder claim. (2) Swing Low was hurt by a wide trip last time and can make amends here. (3) Souper Energizer switches back to Tapeta and is worth a look. (8) King Alfredo could perk up back on Tapeta. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-8.