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 – (5) Soviet Excess makes her career debut for Pletcher and seems ready for a big effort. (8) Olympic Artist is another first-time starter who should be considered. (4) Strictly Taboo makes her debut and can be a threat here. (2) Calling All Angels merits attention in her U.S. debut. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-8.

3rd race – (1) Carolina Traffic (A) set the pace and hung on for second last time out in an improved performance. Should handle this field from the rail. (4) Hard to Fathom could perk up while switching to dirt. (7) Hello Jack could be a factor off the Walder claim. (2) Barak runs for a lesser claiming tag and can be a contender. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-7.

5th race – (2) Elysian Field closed fast to finish second in her debut and should turn in a big effort for new connections. (5) Way too Early seems well-suited for a career on turf. (1) Sassiness merits consideration in her debut. (7) Worst Behaviour can use her speed to make her presence felt. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-7.

8th race – (11) Moral Turpitude (B) had some trouble in her turf debut and should turn in a better try with Lasix. (2) Laurana appears ready for a big effort in her debut. (9) Por Una Cabeza could respond with a better effort on turf. (4) Mo Town Madison is worth a look while moving from Tapeta to turf. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-9-11. Doubles: 2-4-9-11 with 2-3-6-8.

9th race – (6) Rudder’s Men won his debut impressively and should be able to make it two in a row. (8) Talk of the Nation also captured his debut and should be the one to fear. (2) Litigate is another debut winner who cannot be overlooked. (3) Cyclone Mischief tired in a stakes but should appreciate the shorter distance here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-8.