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.

2nd race – (6) Linebacker (A) was off slowly and then rallied wide for second in his debut. Gets the job done here. (1) El Magnifico ships in from California and will be a key factor from the rail. (12) Top of the Street disappointed last time but can rebound here. (3) Legalize should benefit from his debut.  Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-12.

4th race – (1) Tarifa was an impressive debut winner and can make it two in a row here. (2) Ice Cold burned up the track at Indianapolis and looks like the main rival. (7) Denim and Pearls showed speed throughout and won by a nose. Looks tough in this spot. (8) Wee Bit O Mischief exits a nice maiden win. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-8.

7th race – (5) Informed Patriot was third in a stakes and should appreciate the one-turn mile. (3) Vitement was freshened after a weak try and should rebound here. (8) Mystik Dan could be tough to catch in this field. (6) Knicks Storm looked good winning a claimer and cannot be ignored here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place.  Exacta box: 3-5-6-8. Doubles: 3-5-6-8 with 1-5-7-11.

8th race – (7) Track Phantom showed improvement in his second start and seems bound for the winner’s circle. (11) Top Gun Rocket could blast off in this field. (5) D Day Sky was a good second in his first try on dirt and has been working quickly. (1) Stop the Press adds Gaffalione and deserves a look. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-5-7-11.

11th race – (1) Awesome Road flopped when well-bet in the Breeders’ Futurity and deserves a second chance. (6) Stretch Ride is undefeated and tries stakes company for the first. Looks like a main threat. (7) Risk It comes off a second in a stakes and merits plenty of attention. (3) Real Men Violin should enjoy the added distance. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-7.