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 – (10) De La Cruz was third in his last two starts in New York and seems overdue for a win. (5) Badge of War may welcome some added ground. (9) Greer’s Gold may like turf. (6) Warp Nine fits in with this group. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-9-10.
4th race – (8) Will Not Be Swayed was second in two starts on the dirt and could thrive on turf. (1) Rock Hard Rose was second in her debut at Monmouth and makes her first start for Joseph. (3) Moochie Girl can make her presence felt here. (4) Barbarina is a threat on her best try. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-8.
6th race – (11) Ballerina d’Oro had some trouble in her debut and can make amends here. (8) Ocean Ripple is an interesting firster in this spot. (1) Key Actress could be a threat from the rail. (10) Big Air merits a look on turf. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-8-10-11.
8th race – (2) Ultimate Grace disappointed at Roual Ascot but can prevail here. (4) Civetta comes off a determined maiden win and merits respect. (8) Kilwin exits a sharp maiden win. (6) Shezafunkydrummer is unbeaten on dirt and may take to turf. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-8.
10th race – (12) Next won his last two starts in graded stakes company and looks best in this field. (8) Brilliant Berti should be the main threat. (5) In a Jam figures to be a top threat in this field. (4) Army Officer may pull rank on this field. Betting strategy: 12 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-8-12.