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 – (2)  Risk It has been competitive in allowance races and should thrive here in a claimer. (7) Vasa ships in from California and should cause some trouble here. (1) Countthebrave missed by a neck and will be a factor. (6) Timing Difference could contend in this field. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-7.

3rd race – (4) Classic Legacy fell too far behind last time and should improve with a more natural trip. (8) Gunner Bay has been claimed in his last three starts and is the one to fear. (2) Can’t Hush This is consistent and belongs in the exotics. (3) Zambezi can make his presence felt in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-8.

5th race – (3) Burninhunkoflove posted a big win at Saratoga and looks best here. (7) Payne should be closing quickly at the end. (8) Air Combat can hang around until the end. (6) Uncashed will be a threat on his best try.  Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6.7-8.

7th race – (4) El Magnifico has plenty of speed and may not look back. (1) Sir Greylind has not raced since February but looms as the main threat. (3) Bernin Hot also has speed and should have a say in the outcome. (6) Stowaway can sneak into the picture.  Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-6. Doubles: 1-3-4-6 with 1-6-7-9.

8th race – (1) Mitty’s Griddy was a good third after a layoff and should move forward here. (9) Mo Quality is a stakes quality runner but is making his first start since February. (6) Amor Patriae cannot be ignored here. (7) Faust fits in nicely here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-7-9.