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.

2nd race – (5) Jilly’s West is a firster from Ward who seems ready for a top effort. (11) Stormy Mesa is another firster who should be a contender. (2) Tap Anchor seems ready for a good effort. (1) Salming fits well here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-11.

4th race – (8) It Takes Heart was claimed out of a big win at Saratoga and will be formidable here. (10) Shell Shock deserves attention off the Asmussen claim. (9) Street Jam missed by a neck and looms a major threat. (3) Promise of Hope may appreciate a turf to dirt switch. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-8-9-10. Doubles: 3-8-9-10 with 2-3-8-9.

5th race – (2) Catmint (A) staged a nice rally to finish second and should get a maiden win today. (9) Heckled was second the last four times. Five in a row here? (3) Zipadoo was second after a layoff and belongs in the exotics. (8) King’s Secret might perk up with blinkers. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-8-9.

8th race – (10) Accede should relish the turnback to a dirt sprint. (9) Zeitlos looks like the main challenger in this field. (2) Pumpkin Scone exits a big maiden win and should be a key factor in the outcome. (11) Rarify has been away for nearly a year but is working swiftly. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place.  Exacta box: 2-9-10-11. Doubles: 2-9-10-11 with 2-4-6-10.

9th race – Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth Challenge Cup Presented by Dixiana - (4) Mawj is a European shipper and Group 1 winner. Will be hard to beat on her best try. (2) Elusive Princess was impressive in her U.S. debut at Saratoga and will be the chief rival. (6) Lindy also won her first American start and cannot be ignored. (10) Liguria should be a factor in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-10.