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 – (2) Surf City debuts off some fast works and seems best here. (1) Linzer was second in both starts and could complete the exacta again. (6) Gallant Mischief is also working in a promising manner for his debut. (8) Toolpusher debuts for a top outfit. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-8.
4th race – (5) Saffron Moon turned in a good comeback effort last time and seems poised for a win here. (10) Beechnut Trophy has some speed and could last for a big share of the purse. (1) Willakia exits stakes company and merits respect here. (6) Quality Star could be a threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-10.
7th race – Grade 2 Thoroughbred Club of America - (1) Wicked Halo didn’t fire last time but can rebound here. (6) Yuugiri won impressively last time and shapes up as the one to fear. (3) Last Leaf cannot be ignored in this field. (2) Fire On Time fits in nicely in this field. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-6. Doubles: 1-2-3-6 with 2-3-5-7. Pick 3: 1-2-3-6 with 2-3-5-7 with 1-3-5-9.
8th race – Grade 1 First Lady Stakes Presented by UK Healthcare - (3) In Italia appears ready to rebound from a nose loss at Saratoga. (2) Whitebeam beat In Italia last time and will be the main threat (7) New Year’s Eve could wake up in this spot. (5) Gam’s Mission could sneak into the picture at the end. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-7. Doubles: 2-3-5-7 with 1-3-5-9.
9th race – Grade 1 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity - (9) Locked was an impressive winner at Saratoga and should be tough to beat here. (3) Awesome Road displayed a nice bit of talent in a debut win and will be dangerous here. (5) West Saratoga is on the upswing and cannot be ignored. (1) The Wine Steward is unbeaten and will be tested for class here. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-9.