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 – (6)  Shewontbudge should like the added distance and break her maiden. (4) Sweet Seraphine showed promise at 2. Seems poised for a strong 2025 debut. (3) Cyawouldntwanabeya was a promising third in her debut. (5) Speed Shopper has been away but is training nicely for her return. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-6.

3^rd race – (1) Sinister Smile (B) was claimed by Cox and can pay a quick dividend here. (2) Homer’s Odyssey can shine against claimers. (6) Studeny has speed and can hang around until the end. (5) Master Controller is prepping sharply for his 2025 debut. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-6.

5th race – (2) Nobals has been running in stakes and won the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Has a big class edge here. (4) Clear the Air is in great form and can be the main rival. (3) One Timer seems ready to start a productive year. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4.

7th race – (4) Modo ships in off a couple of strong seconds and should get the job done here. (3) Reputation was an impressive maiden winner who will be formidable against these. (7) Unwavering Trust exits a nice maiden win and fits in well here. (5) Stable Currency can pick up a check here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-7.

9th race – (3) Holy Foley (B) was hurt by a wide trip last time when third and can make amends here. (7) Boss Lady Bailey beat the top pick at 21-1 odds last time. Seems like a main threat again. (5) Marksman Queen could be hard to catch in this field. (2) Tarneema rates a close look in this field. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-7..