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 – (10) Don’t Call Me Babe disappointed as an odd-on favorite last time. Can make amends here. (4) Glean is a firster from Ward who deserves attention. (9) Miss Lonelle missed by a head and can make her presence felt. (1) Lovely Emma has inside speed and could be dangerous. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-9-10.
3rd race – (9) Dynadrive has been rested since April and seems set for a big effort in a claimer. (10) Ocean Atlantique should pose a late threat. (3) Public Sector will welcome a return to turf. (5) Mendelssohns March adds blinkers and may wake up. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-9-10.
5th race – (2) Hola Gata has a strong closing kick and can work out a winning trip here. (10) Special Wan has the potential to make her US debut a winning one. (7) Spartan Queen makes her first start for Walsh and can be a factor. (1) High Stick may like the cutback in distance. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-10.
7th race – (8) Buttercream Babe was a good third in a Grade 2 stakes against males and gets the nod here. (12) Vive Veuve looks like the one to fear. (3) Time to Dazzle could benefit from a slow pace. (2) Kairyu cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-8-12. Doubles: 2-3-8-12 with 2-7-8-10.
8th race – (2) Mountain Bear comes over from Europe and should find this course to his liking. (8) Talk of the Nation will appreciate the turnback to a mile. (10) Ancient Rome was a solid third in the Grade 1 Arlington Million and should be a top contender. (7) Funtastic Again has not raced since finishing second in a Grade 1 stakes in May but seems on edge for this start. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-7-8-10.