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 – (5) Jinxzi drops to a level where he looks best. (4) Culprit takes a big drop off claim. Can win on his best effort. (1) Romantic Lead could have a starring role here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5. Doubles: 1-4-5 with 1-3-5.

2nd race – (1) Guardian returns to a claimer and looks best. (3) Gallo de Fuego moves up off the claim  and seems the main rival. (5) Ship Ship Hooray returns to a claimer and can give backers a reason to cheer. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5.

4th race - (3) Castiglione seems ready for a good effort in his debut. (4) Agate might improve with more distance. (11) Play It Again has ability but drew a tough post. (7) Bardstown Road may step up on turf. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-7-11. Doubles: 3-4-7-11 with 1-2-6.

5th race – (1) Rational Theory should perk up with a return to dirt. (6) French Blue shapes up as the one to fear. (2) Overcome Adversity will welcome a return to a dirt sprint. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6.

8^th race – (1) Beach Hotel has the rail and should handle this field. (7) Just a Minute should pose a late threat. (8) Triskelion has enough speed to hang around until the end. (2) Sutura will appreciate the shorter distance. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-8.