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 – (1) List had a useful debut in a sprint. Should enjoy the stretchout to two turns. (4) Hope Diamond is 0-for-9 and may not like the added ground. (8) It’s Just a Game is 0-for-11 but has been third four times. (5) Starlight Luna could pose a late threat. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-8.
3rd race – (1) Beautiful Crazy takes a big class drop and seems best here. (7) Maerdama could be tough to catch in this field. (2) Stubold belongs in the exotics. (4) Slender Slipper might wake up for Sweezey. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-7.
5th race – (4) Two Beers by Ten was second in a photo finish the last two times. Seems overdue for a win. (9) Replevin has speed and looks like the one to fear. (11) War Officer fits in with this group but has a tough post. (1) The Brigade will be helped by a rail trip. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-9-11. Doubles: 1-4-9-11 with 4-5-6.
6th race – (4) Step Slow was second the last time he raced at this level. (6) Skyrush should be better suited by turf. (5) Commendatore drops in search of a winning level. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6.
9th race – (7) Drama was an easy winner in her last start on dirt. (1) Muffin Music should welcome a switch to dirt. (2) Sweet Ember was a sharp winner on Tapeta but has nice dirt breeding. (4) Jestina cannot be ignored in this field. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-7.