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 – (9) Barnstorming drops into a claimer and seems ready for a big effort. (1) Game Warden is worth a look off the Joseph claim. (11) J J’s Joker may appreciate the stretchout. (5) Archie the Giza showed promise in his dirt debut. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-9-11. Doubles: 1-5-9-11 with 1-2-4-10.
2nd race – (2) Sister Ella is working sharply for her debut with Asmussen and looks best here. (1) Royal Slipper could fit nicely in this field from the rail. (4)Twirl Around might have an impact in her debut. (10) Chilled has worked swiftly for her debut. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-10.
7th race – (3) Sibelius has disappointed since winning in Dubai but has been given two months off and could wake up here. (7) Banjo is in great form but seems to struggle at Keeneland. (8) Nakatomi can tower over these if capable of producing his best try. (1) Hoist the Gold may perk up back in Kentucky. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-7-8.
9th race – Grade 1 Darley Alcibides - (7) Brightwork is undefeated and should continue her winning ways while trying two turns. (8) Emery was an impressive debut winner who may be the main rival. (5) V V’s Dream was second to Brightwork in their last meeting and cannot be ignored. (3) Candied should thrive at the distance. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-7-8. Doubles: 3-5-7-8 with 2-5-9-10.
10th race – (10) Golden Alchemist was third in her last two starts but seems ready for a winning effort here. (9) Chasing the Crown was second in his last three starts and should complete the exacta again. (5) Beuys comes off a win over Chasing the Crown at Kentucky Downs and will be a force here. (2) Underdressed should not be overlooked. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-9-10.