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.
2nd race – (8) Segesta is a well-bred filly making her debut who can win at first asking. (5) Rabdah is another firster who could have a bright future. (1) St. Susan should fare better on turf. (9) Lorraine looms a stretch threat in this field. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-8-9.
4th race – (2) House of Melody had a rough start and wide trip in her debut. Deserves a second chance here. (11) Lady Bonheur may improve with Lasix and blinkers. (12) Wonderfulvenezuela was second last time and can be a force in here if she can overcome the outside post. (9) Oya Thunder drops to a level where she should be effective. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-9-11-12.
6th race – (5) Jokes Up drops in class and finds a group he can handle. (3) Empress Ellie gets back on Tapeta and could be the main competition. (2) On the Payroll has a nice turn of speed and could be tough to catch. (8) Miss M M could work out a nice trip from the outside. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-8.
8th race – (1) Me and Mr. C missed a neck last time and should make a smooth transition back to turf. (2) Forever Souper fell a nose shy last time and should be the main threat. (7) Souper Blessing won an open stakes last time and cannot be ignored. (4) Boppy O fits in nicely in this field. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-7.
10th race – (8) Hidden Presence has never been worse than third and should finally graduate today. (9) Investment Process is an interesting firster from Brown. (5) Joyful Lass should make a smooth switch to turf. (3) Our Finest Hour rallied belatedly in her debut and could be closer here. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-8-9.