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.
1st race – (2) Shogun Be Fast takes a big class drop and rates an edge here. (3) Ellie’s Boyfriend could cause some problems on the front end. (1) Hijack the Party should be a contender from the rail. (6) Family Factor has a chance in this field. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-6. Doubles: 1-2-3-6 with 1-7-8-10.
2nd race – (1) Caribbean Wind should add to Ward’s win total with 2-year-olds. (8) Tapit First is an interesting firster from Asmussen. (10) Little Alexa put in a bullet work for her debut. (7) Whatintheliteral may take a step forward in her second start. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7-8-10.
4th race – (8) Coinvest was second in his first two starts and graduates today. (7) Unit Economics missed by a neck and is the one to fear. (10) Surf City may roll past rivals here. (1) Five Star G Man will be aided by a rail trip. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7-8-10.
6th race – (2) Viva La Red gets some class relief here and should work out a victory. (1) Let’s Duet figures to be closing fast at the end. (6) Maria’s Revenge will welcome a return to turf. (5) I’m a Sure Thing looks good in this field . Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-6.
8th race – (10) John the Beer Man had a rough career debut and merits a second chance here. (12) Special Dispatch looms the main threat despite the post. (11) Vesture may perk up on turf. (5) Rebel Red makes his US debut after a long layoff but is working forwardly. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-10-11-12.