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) Apache One Six was third last time and may improve off the claim. (4) I Wanna Be Me gets a nice rider switch to Saez. (12) Antonino fits in here but drew a rough post. (9) Three Cheers will be dangerous on his best try. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-9-12.
3rd race – (3) World Traveler has been no worse than third in her last four starts and gets the nod here. (2) Drum Roll has keen early speed and will be helped by an inside trip. (1) Highway Harmony has the rail and looks like the one to catch in the stretch. (7) Alta Calibre will benefit from a fast pace. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-7. Doubles: 1-2-3-7 with 2-3-6.
4th race – (2) Heavenly Sunset is training sharply for her first start since July and gets the call. (6) Clarita closed out 2025 with a big win and is the one to fear. (3) Snowyte belongs in the exotics. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6.
7th race – (1) Cognoscenti should work out a winning trip from the rail. (2) Patrick’s Promise figures to be closing fast at the end. (5) Film Academy is due for a better effort. (4) Yankee Drummer missed by a nose and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-5.
9th race – (1) Royal Salute has speed and the rail and may not look back. (6) Fly Erik Fly could take off in this field. (2) Operation Torch drops a notch and is worth a look. (4) Big Bob might perk up here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-6.