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 – (11) Viking Quest drops into a claimer for the first time and returns to turf. Gets the nod here. (3) Rockyta could be a threat off the Sweezey claim. (4) Oh Sheila may shine on turf. (5) Max is worth a look in this field. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-11.
3rd race – (8) Best Artist could draw up a winning trip here. (10) Four Guns may improve in his second start. (7) Value Inthe Clouds steps up but seems to like Tapeta. (1) Ky’s Law should benefit from the cutback in distance and a rail trip. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7-8-10. Doubles: 1-7-8-10 with 2-7-8-9.
4th race – (8) Wiretapped seems ready for a sharp debut for Pletcher. (9) Clean Winner will welcome a return to dirt. (7) Betty’s Pearl belongs in the exotics. (2) Joyful Justice is another interesting firster. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-7-8-9.
7th race – (8) Mainstream has been away since July but is working quickly for his return. (5) Love’m Or Liam should pose a threat in the stretch. (7) First Call Bob could be a factor in his debut. (6) Ark Royal will welcome a return to dirt. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-7-8.
9th race – (5) Sadie the Goat has speed and should be tough to catch here. (3) St. Olaf Rose looks like the main rival. (6) Gallop d’Hermes could improve with blinkers on. (7) Pop Rox merits attention off the D’Angelo claim. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-7.