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 – (7) Equal Protection was a good second last time and should turn in a solid debut for Maker. (11) Caspian Sea had a useful debut on Tapeta. May improve on turf. (1) Mo Angell makes his 2023 debut but is working nicely. (3) King of the Gods seems ready for a solid debut. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-7-11. Doubles: 1-3-7-11 with 5-6-7-11.
2nd race – (7) Suprenant Cocca was off slowly when third in her debut. Can make amends here. (6) Plumeria was second at Ellis Park in her debut and looks like the main rival. (5) Show Me the Candy could have an impact in her career debut. (11) Tony Blue Tape is another firster who merits attention. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-7-11.
4th race – (6) Faraday closed fast late to win at Saratoga and can make it two in a row here. (12) Truly Quality won nicely last time and looks like the key foe. (8) Hilliard will be a threat in the final furlong. (1) Idratherbeblessed has speed and the rail and may not look back. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-8-12.
7th race – (7) In a Jam led throughout before missing by a neck. Goes the distance here. (10) Liam’s Journey adds blinkers after finishing fifth behind the top pick. (6) Mourne Mountains will be part of the early pace and may last for a share. (2) D Day Sky is worth a look in his debut. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-7-10.
9th race – (11) Mozlzil looked good in a debut win. Gets Geroux and could take this stakes for Cox. (6) Value Engineer was an easy maiden winner and might be the main competition. (2) Aspenite was a strong second earlier in the meet and cannot be ignored here. (1) Sambalover will benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-11.