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.

1^st race – (6) Sittin On Go comes off a sharp win at Aqueduct and can make it two in a row here. (7) P H Factor looked good on Tapeta but moves to dirt here. (4) Hoodlum has won three of his last four starts and belongs in the exotics. (1) Sense You Left will be dangerous from the rail. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-7. Doubles: 1-4-6-7 with 2-4-8-9.

2nd race – (2) Dreamaway has drilled quickly for her debut and seems destined for the winner’s circle. (4) Clever Again is capable of a big try in his debut. (9) Tapris Valor didn’t fire in slop, may rebound on a dry track. (8) Johnny Cole Lately is another Ward firster who can contend with these. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-8-9.

5^th race – (7) Jefe de Obra makes his 2024 debut and seems on edge for a big effort. (8) Sugar Gray Leonard could land a knockout punch on turf. (9) Mackville switches from Tapeta to turf after finishing third. (12) Salt Spray merits some attention in this field. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place.  Exacta box: 7-8-9-12. Doubles: 7-8-9-12 with 1-2-5-7.

6th race – (7) Dragoon Guard missed by a neck in his debut and makes amends in this spot. (2) Lake Superior has a nice turn of speed and could be tough to catch. (1) Rock N Roll Bolt is overdue for a maiden win. (5) Sesame Streek can be a factor in his career debut. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-2-5-7.

9th race – (4) Risk Threshold (A) was a troubled third in her debut and should work out a winning trip here. (2) Muneera appears on edge for a strong effort in her debut. (1) Day Dawning is another first-time starter who can have an impact on the finish. (10) Dona Witch blew the start and never threatened. Gets a second chance here. Betting strategy: 4  to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-10.