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 – (9) Evie Does It has been away since June 2023 but seems ready for a nice effort here for new connections. (7) Delightful Dixie broke her maiden in her 2024 debut but steps up in class here. (6) Don’t Listen looks like the speed in this field. (3) Princess Gladys exits a solid maiden win and merits consideration. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-9.
3rd race – (5) Chaplin takes a big class drop and should prove best. (1) Sir Robert Hall has speed from the rail and will be the main threat. (4) Vindicated Tiger should pose a late threat. (7) Cassation could be a factor in this group. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-7.
6th race – (11) Island Spirit was third last time and is overdue for a maiden win. (3) Micro Brewsky switches to Paco and should turn in a better effort. (7) Navesink Pirate put in a sharp work for this start. (6) Post Command should pose a late threat in this field. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-11. Doubles: 3-6-7-11 with 5-6-7-8.
7th race – (6) Peak Earnings will welcome the cutback in distance. (8) Lady d’Oro looks like the one to fear. (7) Independenceavenue could be tough to catch in this field. (5) Holiday Decision may benefit from a surface switch. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-7-8.
9th race – (7) He’spuregold comes off a fourth in an open stakes and looks best here. (8) There Are No Words has enough speed to lead throughout. (3) Irish Rill should make his presence felt in the late stages. (6) Starstruck Notion fits in nicely here. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-8.