By Matt Shifman and Bob Ehalt

Hot List Key:
 A: A preferred horse to watch                           B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4^th or worst
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

1^st race [NY, Alw 40000s, 7F] – (2) New York Scrappy had plenty of early speed to finish second twice in April in similar spots. (4) Solomini’s World was claimed eight days ago for $20,000 after having the lead and finishing third and returns to NY-bred racing after three starts. (1) Egyptian had seven finishes in the top three against open company before a fourth against the top choice. (6) Come Full Circle makes his second start after getting claimed by Joe Sharp.

2^nd race [NY, OC 45k/N2X, 1 mi TURF] – (2) George Briggs changes to the Clement barn and was second at Gulfstream behind a horse that was a return winner. He won a NY Stallion Series race at Saratoga. (4) Iron Max won three races in a row to end 2025 and came back from a seven-month layoff three weeks ago. (5) Cable Ready was third at this level last month coming back up north from Tampa. (3) Outsource makes his second start following a six-month break from racing.

3^rd race [Md 75000, 1 1/16 mi TURF] – (7) Up for an Oscar will drop in for a tag for the first time for Chad Brown and Flavien Prat. (1) Languid moved from dirt to turf for his second start and finished third after he was claimed for $20,000. (2) Chips and Fish was claimed from his last two races where he finished third and second and blinkers go on. (3) Fateful Lightning returns to the claiming ranks and the turf and blinkers are off.

4^th race [Clm 35000B, 7F] – (2) Short Shift was claimed nine days ago from his second start of the year for $20,000 and has shown plenty of speed in the past. (3) Sabby Sunset also has speed and finished ahead of the top choice last time. (4) Brzina has six top three finishes in a row and has been racing against better company than most of this field. (1) Cararra was claimed for $30,000 when she was third in March and then was fourth for $50,000.

Best bets: George Briggs (2^nd); Up for an Oscar (3^rd). Best Value: New York Scrappy (1^st); Short Shift (6^th).