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 – (4) Ask Amanda drops in class and may wake up here. (2) Where’s the Wine may be helped by a switch to dirt. (5) Spirit Rules fits in nicely here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5.
3rd race – (3) She Wants War is an interesting firster from Ward who gets top billing here. (10) Sycamore Shoals looks like the main rival. (12) Something Stronger may like turf. (5) Debt Free is worth a look in this field. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-10-12.
5th race – (3) Midnight Survivor takes a big class drop and should prove best. (7) Paved in Gold shapes up as the one to fear. (10) Winning Song fits in nicely with this group. (4) Baobob could be effective at this level. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-7-10.
7th race – (10) Blackfoot Daisy was an impressive winner last time and can win despite the layoff. (6) Perfect Figure will be a main threat off her best try. (3) Rojo Rita could be a force on turf. (1) Satin Blue will be a threat from the rail. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-10. Doubles: 1-3-6-10 with 1-3-8-9.
8th race – (1) Shadow Coast has speed from the rail and may not look back. (8) Helm Place is worth the look off the Sharp claim. (3) Delta Tau Chi is working sharply after a lengthy layoff. (9) Gallo de Fuego returns to a claimer and should be a contender. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-8-9.