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) Imperial Ruler has a nice turn of speed and looks best in this field. (2) Harbe comes off a nice maiden win. (5) Editor may write a nice ending for this race. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5.
3rd race – (8) Lots of Kisses should appreciate the shorter distance in this field. (10) Dream On Curlin is an interesting firster. (11) Mundy Sweep closed nicely in her debut and can move forward here. (5) Hey Miss Olivia could be a factor in her first start. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-8-10-11. Doubles: 5-8-10-11 with 1-2-3.
4th race – (1) Fun On the Bayou comes off a powerful maiden win and can make it two in a row here. (2) Betty’s Dance moves to dirt and could be the main threat. (3) Diablo Shiraz missed by a neck last time and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3.
7th race – (1) Spellmaker moves into a claimer and may be poised for a maiden win. (2) Disparate Impact tired in a belated debut and finds easier company here. (6) Discotheque was second in his last three starts and belongs in the exotics. (8) Up Country may rebound with a better try here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-8. Doubles: 1-2-6-8 with 1-8-9-10.
8th race - (9) Westside Tide may thrive at this shorter distance. (8) Spoiler should appreciate a return to turf. (10) Plensa exits stakes company and should be closing quickly at the end. (1) Johny’s Rendezvous will be helped by a rail trip. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-8-9-10.