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 – (9) Set Sail Curlin showed speed, dropped back and then re-rallied in her debut to finish fourth. Should be well-suited by turf here. (7) Temerity might wake up back on turf. (5) Always Connected returns to turf and will be a threat. (2) Zen drops to a level where she should be dangerous. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-7-9. Doubles: 2-5-7-9 with 3-5-6.

2nd race – (5) Song Runner (C) was bet down from 4-1 to 5-2 and was an easy maiden winner. Can make it two in a row today. (6) Avant Glory looks like the one to catch in this field. (3) Rough Entry takes a big class drop and make his presence felt. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6.

4th race – (4) American Raider was third last time and may be closer while racing with Lasix. (3) Coast Along is worth a good look in his debut. (2) Royal Mende might be more competitive on turf. (7) Free Birds could take wing and land in the winner’s circle in his debut. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-7.

7th race – (7) Worthington has won his last two starts and can add to that streak here. (1) Candidate won easily at Tampa and should be hard to catch from the rail. (2) Major Dude makes his first start since the Breeders’ Cup and merits respect. (6) Souzak looms a contender in his U.S. debut. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7. Exactas: 1-7 over 2-6 and 2-6 over 1-7.

9th race – (3) Cairo Consort should be tough to beat in her debut for Pletcher. (5) Stephanie’s Charm rallied for third last time and should be a big threat in the final furlong. (6) Anna Karenine cannot be overlooked in her U.S. debut. (9) Erna was a determined winner last time and will be a factor in this field. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-9.