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 – (6) Neko seems poised to win at first asking for Baffert. (2) Margarita Girl was second in her last three starts. How about four? (1) Into the Hall will be helped by a rail trip. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6.
3rd race – (7) Exington moves up off a claim and could handle this field. (2) Thirsty Trickster should pose a late threat. (8) Cioppina Pasadina could hang around until the end. (5) Moochie Girl is worth a look off the class drop. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-7-8.
5th race – (6) Miso Phansy may rebound while switching to dirt. (1) Issa Court may not look back from the rail. (2) Lady Mendelssohn exits stakes company and merits attention. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6.
7th race – (2) Sea Dog returns from a layoff and seems primed for a big try. (1) Havoc can cause some trouble from the rail. (7) Impossible Task may run well for new connections. (4) American Empire could land a minor share. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-7. Doubles: 1-2-4-7 with 2-3-4-6.
8th race – (2) McClusky will be helped a great deal by the added distance here. (3) Druidic should be the main rival. (6) Trusty Rusty belongs in the exotics. (4) Mongolian Apple fits in nicely here. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-6.