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 – (8) New Lease On Life should thrive on the added distance. (9) World Builder will appreciate a return to Tapeta. (12) Lucky Berry could be a factor in the final furlong. (6) Magic Word should be competitive at this level. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-8-9-12.
3rd race – (4) Nice Try Riley was claimed off a second at this level and can pay a quick dividend. (7) Magic Red has speed and may benefit from softer fractions here. (3) R Markovich should be a contender at the distance. (1) Jimbo Bailey will benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-7.
5th race – (2) Justin Smiles seeks a third win in a row and could work out a good trip here. (10) Bolero Bay was impressive in his turf debut. (1) My Favorite Bird may take flight in this field. (6) Laser comes off a sharp maiden win. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-10. Doubles: 1-2-6-10 with 1-4-6.
6th race – (4) Prom Queen was a sharp second in her debut and should get the win here. (6) Fletch’s Rockette is training nicely for her first start since August. (1) Three to G cannot be overlooked from the rail. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6.
9th race – (6) Amande was a good second last time and can make amends here. (7) Spicy Guacamole looks like the one to fear off two straight wins. (10) Bad Gal Party won off a layoff and has trained sharply since. (1) Logistics might be effective at this lower level. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-7-10.