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 – (5) Mohaafeth had some trouble last time and will appreciate a slight class drop. (4) G T Five Hundred was second in his last two starts and should be the main threat here. (1) Hey Boss will benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5. Doubles: 1-4-5 with 1-2-3.
2nd race – (2) Queen of Missoula looks best facing claimers for the first time. (3) My Lily Mae could perk up in a dirt claimer. (1) Eyes of Gold should also get some class relief in a claimer. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3.
6th race – (8) Antares missed by a neck at Saratoga and makes amends here. (5) Track Mate was third in his first try against winners and can move forward here. (1) Just Battle may improve switching from turf to dirt. (4) Can’t Hush This can make some noise in this field. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-8.
8th race – Indian Summer Stakes Presented by Keeneland Select - (1) Shards broke his maiden impressively and should handle this field from the rail. (2) Amidst Waves has won three in a row and is definitely the one to fear. (6) Committee of One is a maiden but fits with these. (10) Pinotslilgirl looked good in her turf debut and merits attention. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-10. Doubles: 1-2-6-10 with 1-2-3-4.
9th race – Grade 1 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes - (3) Nest disappointed at Saratoga but should bounce back with a win here. (2) Idiomatic beat Nest last time and will be the main rival again. (1) Sixtythreecaliber might rebound with a big try on a fast track. (4) Le Da Vida could be a factor on her best try. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3. Exactas: 2-3 over 1-4 and 1-4 over 2-3.