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 – (5) Lebombo missed by a neck last time and is overdue for a maiden win. (6) Sole Lute was a nose behind the top pick and cannot be ignored. (1) Start Mo Up is a key threat from the rail. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6.

3rd race – (1) Stormy Passage takes a big class drop and can lead throughout from the rail. (8) Straightaway should respond to the class drop. (4) Zohere was third in his debut and should get some attention.  (6) Good News Rocket fits nicely here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-8-6.

5^th race – (1) Map to the Stars should appreciate the shorter distance here. (6) Master Controller exits a sharp win and will be a main threat. (7) Bourbon’s Fault will be dangerous if he duplicates his last try. (2) Optical can cause problems on his best try. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-7.

7th race – (4) Take Shape seems due for a better effort back on dirt. (7) Sweet Chablis should be the one to fear off a big win. (2) Broughty Ferry finds a level where he should be competitive. (5) Best Performer may pose a late threat. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-7.

9th race – (2) Obstreperous has a strong late kick and should have a lot to say about the outcome. (5) La Foret missed by a nose and could be right there at the finish again. (6) Perfect Figure should benefit from his 2025 debut. (1) Scattitude merits respect off the turnback. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-6.