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) Lion Lake was a troubled second last time out at Keeneland. Makes amends here. (7) Osmosis was off slowly in her debut and should benefit from that experience. (11) Brat Pack could be closing quickly at the end. (1) Curly Q Girl will appreciate a rail trip. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-11.
3rd race – (5) Mustang Bay could wake up with a winning effort here. (7) Accelerate Me beat a similar field last time and is the one to fear. (2) Sound of the Beast takes a big class drop and should be a threat. (1) Dreams of Myfather might improve off a claim. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-7.
5th race – (5) Shades of Jade exits a solid maiden win for a hot barn. (6) Clay Soldier should be right there at the finish. (8) On the Payroll has speed and could be tough to catch. (2) Zazzy cannot be ignored in this field. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-8.
7th race – (8) Bulldoze could ramble to second straight win over this surface. (7) Baytown Parfait seems primed for a strong effort here. (5) American Speed may quicken in a claimer. (1) Maktub could be a contender on his best try. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-7-8.
9th race – (6) La Mehana debuts for Cox’s barn and gets the nod here. (5) No Show Sammy Jo was hurt by a slow pace. Will get a better trip here. (4) Alluring Angel will be well-suited by the distance. (1) Louise Procter should relish the added ground. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-6.