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.
2nd race – (8) Candymaker has turned in two bullet works for his debut and should provide Ward with another juvenile win. (7) Calhoun also sports some sharp works for his debut. (10) Fandom is another firster from Ward who cannot be ignored. (4) Blast Furnace fits in nicely with this field. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-7-8-10. Doubles: 4-7-8-10 with 1-2-3-5.
3rd race – (2) Arden’s Assault was a troubled third in her debut and can make amends here. (3) Union Harmony is working smartly for her debut. (1) Patience Worth was second in her last three tries and belongs in the exotics. (5) Mo Town Mayhem should fare better on dirt. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3. Exactas: 2-3 over 1-5 and 1-5 over 2-3.
5th race – (4) The Grey Wizard has the kind of late kick that will be suited by the marathon distance. (5) Wicked Fast exits graded stakes company and looks like the one to fear. (9) Sir for Sure will be a factor if there’s no rust after a layoff. (6) Six Minus has late speed and will be a man factor. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-9.
7th race – (3) Venencia makes her U.S. debut for Brown and seems bound for the winner’s circle. (4) Gromantine was a good third in her U.S. debut and should be the main rival. (5) Be My Sunshine was a wide second last time and can make her presence felt. (1) Boudica should benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-5. Doubles: 1-3-4-5 with 2-3-6-7. 8th race – (7) Non Violence disappointed last time but can bounce back in this spot. (6) Tales of Home will welcome a dry track. (2) Story Hour could shine in this spot. (3) Send for Me may perk up on dirt. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-7. Exactas: 6-7 over 2-3 and 2-3 over 6-7.