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 – (1) Sliceaway bobbled at the start and still finished second. Getting Irad should make a difference. (9) Royal Retinue stretches out and could be hard to catch here. (4) Sovereign Grace was third last time and should be a contender here. (2) Jenn’s Beliefs may improve on turf. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-9.

3rd race – (1) Imapepper can make a winning return to dirt. (5) Dogwood Crossing should be effective at this level. (6) El Guty might be more competitive on a dry track. (4) Fighting Words may pose a late threat. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-6.

5th race – (5) Lemon’s Law was a troubled third last time. Makes amends with blinkers and Lasix added. (1) Wrathchild is an interesting first-time starter. (8) Manawa could also be a factor in his debut. (2) Ruler of the Skies is worth a look in this field. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-8.

7th race – (2) American Speed  drops a notch and gets the call here. (1) Selecto could be a factor from the rail. (3) Drunken Sailor might wake up here. (6) Frank’s Art should be closing quickly in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-6.

9th race – (4) Ninja Star is in sharp form and gets the nod here. (3) Uncle John looks like the main rival. (5) Longbranch Lou cannot be overlooked here. (1) Salvattore Prince has keen late speed. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-5.