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 – (3) Strong Destiny was third in a useful debut and should post a maiden win. (6) Margarita Girl has already faced winners and will be the key rival. (2) Bundle should like this distance. (7) Dancing Drums is an interesting firster. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-7. Doubles: 2-3-6-7 with 3-4-6.
2nd race – (6) Gun Party should thrive on a fast track and handle this field. (4) Raguel seeks a third straight win and will be formidable here. (3) Gamblers Tail could bounce back to top form. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6.
5th race – (9) Satin Blue has a strong late kick and looks best here. (2) Nikki Nine Doors looks like the main rival. (4) Cart Girl Sam has enough speed to be a factor. (8) High Fashion Kate missed by a nose and cannot be overlooked. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-8-9.
7th race – (4) Americathegreat got off to a bad start and then closed fast in her debut. Makes amends here. (1) Essential Coffee was an easy winner but was DQ’d. (3) Light Won Up ships in off a fast California win. (9) Lilies N Paradise won nicely in her debut. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-9.
10th race – (10) Verify is 2-for-2 and will get tested for class here. (2) Captain Cook should appreciate the turnback to a sprint. (5) Retribution comes off a stakes win and merits serious consideration. (13) Furio won by a nose and will like the added distance. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-10-13.