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 – (1) What’s a Good Name had a helpful debut at Churchill Downs and put in a fast work for this. (7) Lady K Westfall worked sharply for her debut. (9) Mohaven deserves attention here. (3) Let It Begin is working nicely for her debut. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-7-9.
3rd race – (9) Artic Power makes his U.S. debut and merits top billing. (2) Arrakis turned in a solid effort in his turf debut and should be a main threat. (8) Doc Bovie could be a contender in his debut. (10) Burning Rubber comes off a good effort in a claimer. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-8-9-10.
6th race – (6) Cherry Cider is working fast for her career debut for Baffert. (2) Super Corredora seems on edge for a strong debut. (7) La Wally looked good in a few gate drills. (5) Pride of Queens is worth a look here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-7.
9th race – (3) Miso Phansy could be helped by a fast trip and work out a winning trip. (5) Thought Process looks like the main speed. (6) Amorita is consistent and belongs in the exotics. (8) Firenze Flavor seeks a third straight win but has a tough post. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-8.
11th race – (11) Roselee May has enough speed to overcome an outside post and lead throughout. (3) Hannah Buckle seems ready for her belated 2025 debut. (7) Quick Brown Fox should enjoy the stretchout. (12) Defiance should be closing in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-7-11-12.