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) Connecting Flight should be able to handle this field if she makes a smooth transition to turf. (7) Katz That Gal was second at this level and should be the main rival. (1) Antrim will benefit from a rail trip. (2) Reaching Stride may wake up at this level. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-7.

3rd race – (1) Ace Up Her Sleeve has a strong late kick and will benefit from the added distance here. (6)  Preemption is an intriguing firster from Joseph. (5) Gayelette ships in from Canada and cannot be ignored. (3) Hot Foot Susie was third in his last two starts and will be a factor here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-6. Doubles: 1-3-5-6 with 3-6-7-8.

4th race – (6) Elusive Empire (B) was a solid second last time and seems poised for a winning try in this field. (3) Provision was an even fifth at Tampa but can take a step forward here. (7) Mehlek won his last start but takes a big jump in class here. (8) Island Swagger could be tough to catch in this spot. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-8.

6th race – (2) One Fast Dream landed an inside post and should control the early pace. Seems due for a maiden win. (1) Sgt. Pepper may be well-suited by turf. (4) Hidden Path is a firster for Pletcher who cannot be ignored. (7) Checkitup showed enough promise in his turf debut to be a factor here. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-7.

8th race – (5) Megacity set the pace before finishing third at this level. Figures to prevail off the Dobles claim. (1) Kygo will be a threat if there’s no rust from a layoff since May. (3) Kinenos exits stakes company and will welcome the class relief. (6) Yamato won his last start and figures to be a prime threat. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-3-5-6.