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 – (2) Mongolian Max drops off the O’Neill claim and may have found a winning spot. (7) Ready to Pounce was second at this level and should be the main competition. (9) Joint Venture could bounce back with a better try here. (4) Fireman Dan is in sharp form after winning his last try. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-7-9.
3rd race – (6) Toughness return to dirt and gets the call here. (1) Western Avenue should be the main threat from the rail. (4) Jarama steps up off two wins and merits attention. (8) Left Hand Man may appreciate the turnback. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-8.
5th race – (2) Lannister seems on edge for a strong debut for Baffert.(4) Vasa had a useful debut and should take a step forward. (1) Legal Her has speed and the rail and may hang on until the end. (3) Infinite Spirit could be a factor in his career debut. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-4.
7th race – (4) Mustang Knicky has put in some quick works for her debut and gets the call here. (3) Final Table Lady looks like the one to fear. (2) Kiss Me Coco should be a factor in this group. (8) Cara Rose will welcome a return to dirt. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-8. Doubles: 2-3-4-8ith 2-3-8-10.
8th race – (3) Iron Man Cal has been racing in Grade 1 stakes and has a class edge here. (8) Day and Age comes off two wins and is ready for his stakes debut. (2) Incanto stretched out last time and should be more of factor this time. (10) Bodi Zafa excels on turf and is worth a long look. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-8-10.