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)  Running Game was pressed through a fast pace and folded. Could hang on here in a claimer. (7) Les is Best seems the next best choice in this field. (6) Risky Wave should improve in a claimer. (4) McKinzie’s Glory drops in claiming price and should be in the picture. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-7.

3rd race – (7) Globalist should get his maiden win as he drops into a claimer. (4) Fly Guy Mick figures to also have an easier time in a claimer. (1) Global Quote should be a stretch threat here. (3) Vino Dominus fits in nicely with this group. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-7.

5th race – (5) Counting Stars debuts for Casse and can win at first asking. (9) Fashion Designer might rebound with a better try here. (1) Honfleur is another interesting firster. (6) Soaring High put in a fast gate work for this.  Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-9.

7th race – (1) Hop Sing just missed at Saratoga and can make amends here. (4) Whiskey Shot is training smartly for his delayed 2025 debut. (3) Maximum Promise may welcome a return to dirt. (9) Navajo Warrior seeks a fifth straight win and cannot be ignored.  Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-9. Doubles: 1-3-4-9 with 1-5-8-12.

8th race – (5) Matinee Idol was a game second in his debut and gets the call here. (1) Chillax was second in his last four starts. Let’s stick with that pattern. (8) Up Country took a nice step forward last time and merits attention here. (12) Crisis Management returns from a layoff and could be a main factor. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-8-12.