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 – (2)  Thunder Zeus ran third in a stakes and seems best here at the MSW level. (5) Thousandsticks was an improved third last time and should be the main rival. (10) Royal Quest can improve on an 8^th in his debut. (8) Harry O closed fast in his debut and may be a factor here . Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-8-10.

4^th race – (3) Covered in Crystal was game winner of her debut and should like the added ground. (4) Getting Serious exits a sharp maiden win. (6) Haute Diva will welcome a return to turf. (1) Bert’s Knoty Girl should benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-6.

6th race – (1) She’s My Lady Luck is in sharp form and can lead throughout from the rail. (3) Puckered should pose a late threat. (4) Stamp of Approval may benefit from a return to dirt.  Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4.

8th race – (3) Longbranch Lou comes off a nice win over the track and can make it two in a row. (4) Ticking could be hard to catch in this spot. (5) Navy Cross belongs in the exotics. (6) Uncle John could make a smooth switch to turf. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-6. Doubles: 3-4-5-6 with 3-5-7-8.

9th race – (3) Summer Cause has experience at the marathon distance which should be beneficial. (5) Coiled showed a nice late kick last time and figures to be a main foe. (7) Padiddle has stakes experience which will come in handy here. (8) Ruddy Buddy could sneak into the picture. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-7-8.