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.
3rd race – (5) Scalable rallied belatedly in the Breeders’ Cup. Should start her 3-year-old season with a win. (2) Curlin’s Girl was second in her first two starts and figures to be the main rival. (3) Above the Sky is an interesting firster. (6) Speak Up adds Lasix and is worth a look. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-6. Doubles: 2-3-5-6 with 2-4-6-8.
4th race – (2) Race Craft returns to Tapeta and looks best here. (6) Tiz Romantic missed by a neck last time and is the one to fear. (8) The Best Distance missed by a nose and can make his presence felt. (4) People Force drops in class and could be a contender. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-8.
6th race – (4) Champagne Juan was second in his turf debut and should make a smooth switch to Tapeta. (3) Hazon may perk up on synthetics. (1) Honor Gold could be a threat from the rail. (2) Bee Well should be a factor in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-4.
8th race – (5) Dr. Ray D. looks best here off the Joseph claim. (3) Lucy’s Cookie could be tough to catch in this spot. (7) Wisco Disco might find a home on Tapeta. (4) Art Show Lady won her debut impressively but faces tougher here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-7. Doubles: 3-4-5-7 with 1-5-6-7.
9th race – (1) Royal Upstart was hurt by a wide trip in her debut and should benefit from a rail trip. (5) Wow Lucky adds blinkers and may take a step forward. (6) Skinny Cosmo has early speed and may not look back in this field. (7) Spirit of Victory drops and finds an easier field here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-7.