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) No Pressure was a narrowly beaten second in his career debut. Gets the maiden win here. (4) Ambassador Blue returns to turf and should be a main threat. (3) Herbstreit deserve some attention in his career for Cox. (2) Scope should be closing quickly at the end. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-10.
3rd race – (5) Step Slow was second in her debut and looks best in this field. (6) Lobo Go has not raced since August and figures to be the main rival. (3) He Be Hoppin was third first time out but faces tougher competition here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6.
5th race – (3) Sheshimaintenance seeks a third straight win and gets top billing here. (4) My Lady James should be in the mix until the end. (6) Noble Dreamer gets a nice rider switch to Gaffalione. (2) Miguel’s Belle deserves some attention. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-6.
7th race – (2) Judge Davis held on nicely for second last time and should get the win here. (7) One Stripe ran in the Breeders’ Cup and should be the main foe. (3) Niagara Skyline could rebound with a better effort in a claimer. (5) Seminole Chief will appreciate the class relief. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-7.
9th race – (7) One Magic Philly is in great form and gets top billing here. (8) Necessity cannot be overlooked off a powerful win. (9) Sterling Silver looms a stretch threat here. (6) Claret Beret was freshened and could return with a big try. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-7-8-9.