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 – (1) Uncle Evco drops to a level where he should be quite effective. (3) Still a Soldier has not raced since August but has put in some solid works. (5) Guns and Glory could be a threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5.
3rd race – (7) Perfect Figure had a nice comeback race and can take a step forward here. (3) Lit Ship put in a bullet work for this and merits attention. (8) Victor Valley exits a maiden win and is worth a look. (4) More Galilady seems on edge for her 2026 debut. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-7-8.
5th race – (6) Greenwell is working impressively for his career debut. (4) Grand Yaupon could be a speedy one. (3) Never Sleep debuts for a sharp outfit. (1) Midnight Still may be helped by a rail trip. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-6.
7th race – (7) Whispering Charm seems overdue for a maiden win. (8) Command the Stars could be a force at this level. (1) She’s Gotta Go may perk up in this field. (2) Cloud Number Nine should pose a late threat. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-8.
9th race - (10) Z Z’s may work out a winning trip from the outside post. (5) Something Stronger should be tougher back on turf. (3) Twirling Claire will be a threat off a solid maiden win. (4) Triskelion gets back on turf after winning on Tapeta. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-10.