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) Lorenzo Bernini could perk up moving to turf here. (3) Broski missed by a nose last time and will be the one to fear. (6) Jibilian is a firster to watch. (4) Tempus Volat could improve for a new barn. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-6.
3rd race – (5) Mirinda missed by a neck last time and should appreciate the switch to turf. (2) Cayucos should like the shorter distance. (8) No Cap is worth a look in this field. (3) Summer Lake should fare better at this level. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-8. Doubles: 2-3-5-8 with 3-4-8-10.
4th race – (5) Balboa is a highly regarded firster from a sharp outfit. Should win at first asking for Baffert. (4) Civil Liberty put in a fast work for this try. (10) L Rankin was second in his debut and merits consideration. (8) Brant could be a factor here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-8-10.
8th race – (2) Nysos has extreme talent and is much the best here. (4) Express Train has a nice late kick and could complete the exacta. (5) Hall of Fame usually figures in the exotics and deserves attention. (3) Mirahmadi may be peaking at the right time. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-5.
10th race – (2) Dr. Venkman returns to the West Coast and seems set for a strong effort. (6) Roll On Big beat the top pick at Churchill Downs and looms as the one to fear. (5) World Record cannot be ignored here. (3) Hejazi should move forward off his comeback race. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-6.