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 – (3) Copabana had a useful debut on Tapeta and can graduate here on turf. (7) Three to G was second by a neck and is the one to fear. (5) Time for You may appreciate a return to turf. (1) Deference could be a factor in her debut. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-7.
4th race – (1) Loud Applause has speed and the rail and gets the nod here. (3) Lodato comes off a sharp maiden win. (6) G Speedy fits better in this field. (7) El Muheet could be a factor in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-7.
6th race – (9) High South rallied late for fourth after a seven-month layoff. Should benefit from that trip and move forward here. (7) North End Lady can make her presence felt in this field. (10) Ivory and Ebony drew a tough post for her turf debut. (2) Starship Melody may fire after a short freshening. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-7-9-10.
8th race – (5) Fancy Gentleman was second in fast time and could control the pace here. (7) Autobahn may like the added distance. (6) Ovechkin could benefit from a turf-to-dirt switch. (3) Infinite Light may improve with blinkers. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-7.
10th race – (6) Damon’s Mound seeks a third straight win and gets the call. (8) Con Compania will be suited by the shorter distance. (5) Wound Up belongs in the exotics. (3) Ajaayb might wake up here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-8.