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 – (4) Shockwave was a good third and should prevail off a class drop and switch to Gaffalione. (3) Red’s Revenge could be a factor in his career debut. (7) Lookinassah should respond to the class relief here in a claimer. (2) Ponti Pride was fourth in his debut and can move forward here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-7.

3rd race – (7) Katz That Girl turns back to a sprint and seems primed for a big effort. (4) Theodoropoulos could be effective at this level. (8) Queen of Mine returns to a sprint and could be tough to catch. (9) Nyssa is 0-for-17 but may like Tapeta. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-7-8-9. Doubles: 4-7-8-9 with 2-3-5-8.

4th race – (5) Fredo (B) was steadied and still ran well enough to finish a good fourth. Can prevail with a good trip here. (3) Piccadilly may respond to a shorter trip in this spot. (8) Happy Runner had some trouble while finishing third and cannot be ignored. (2) Tiz Eternal could be a threat if there’s no rust after the layoff. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-8.

6th race – (4) Megacity drops into a claimer and could be tough to catch in this spot. (7) Therapist turned in a big effort last time and looks like the one to fear. (6) Malibu Uproar will be dangerous in a claimer. (8) Olympic Runner should be flying at the end. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-7-8.

8th race – (1) Demogorgon returns to turf and could be tough to catch from the rail. (7) Boston Princess had some trouble when she was a rallying third and should be the main threat. (3) Sister Nell drops into a claimer and may wake up with Irad in the saddle. (4) Cricket West comes off a maiden win and is worth a look here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-7.