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 – (10) Saint Cloud takes a big class drop for a hot stable in his first start since July. Gets the call here. (9) Lamcaro also drops to a bottom level for his first try since February. (4) McMullen has speed and should be a factor here. (3) Beauty Bolt will be competitive at this level. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-9-10.
3rd race – (5) Sneak Preview comes off a win and can make it two in a row with Irad aboard. (4) Endrick looks like the main rival. (2) Tshiebwe can be dangerous at this level. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5.
5th race – (8) English Law drops into a claimer and should prove best. (6) Irrelevant can be a factor while stretching out. (7) Irish Gent could be formidable at this level. (4) Hammerstein is worth a look despite the layoff. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-7-8.
7th race – (5) Laila Bella Girl should welcome a return to Tapeta. (3) Sol Hope may enjoy a switch to Tapeta. (4) Foggy Note seems to run well on any surface. (6) Love Actually may improve with blinkers. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-6. Doubles: 3-4-5-6 with 1-3-7-9.
8th race – (1) Cairo Comedy may work out a winning trip from the rail. (3) Affirming could perk up back on turf. (9) Estrella deserves consideration with Irad. (7) Smiling Rosie should contend in this field. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-7-9.