By 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 4^th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

1st race – (1)  Theprincessfactor could rebound with a better trip on a dry track. (2) Dawn After Dawn adds blinkers and should turn in a better effort. (5) Churning Berni has late kick and should be a factor.  Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5.

3^rd race – (2) Divine Wind should run better on dirt after a dull try on turf. (3) Girl’s Not Grey could move forward in her second try. (7) B D’s Angel might respond to a surface change. (4) Forbidden Friend is worth a look. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-7.

5th race – (2) Immersive makes a delayed 2025 debut but the Breeders’ Cup winner should add to her unbeaten record. (3) Anna’s Promise looks like the main rival. (6) Take Charge Milady may improve on a dry track.  Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6.

7th race – (3) Django (B) staged a strong, wide rally for second and seems ready to handle this field. (1) McIlroy may perk up with the addition of blinkers and a switch to dirt. (5) Real Men Violin should find the going easier in a claimer. (6) Footprint could contend despite a layoff. Betting strategy: 3  to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-6.

9th race – (4) Dai Vernon (C) dropped from 2-1 to 7-5 and won nicely. Looks dangerous off the Kenneally claim. (5) Fristed Departure could be hard to catch in this field. (6) Not This Boy had useful comeback race and will be a main factor. (8) Hold My Bourbon should not be ignored in his first start for Joseph. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-8.