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 – Let’s start off the new year with a winner! - (6) Angelic Quality went very wide from post 11 in her career debut. Deserves a second chance here from a better post with Irad. (8) Drupe is an interesting first-time starter. (10) Sister Slew may like the switch to turf. (5) Blazing Bridgette deserves some attention in this field. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-8-10.
3rd race – (4) Guys Trip has some useful experience and this level and distance here and gets the nod. (3) What It Tiz should get a look after a maiden win. (1) He’s a Daredevil will be helped by a rail trip. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4.
5th race – (2) El Apagon returns to Tapeta and has enough speed to lead throughout. (5) Cruzin Man looks like the one to fear. (7) Sosua Summer may wake up after a disappointing try. (6) Louie the Sun King should be a threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-7.
7th race – (4) Storm the Streets gets back on turf and gets top billing here. (9) Berlone will welcome a return to turf. (3) Double Neat belongs in the exotics. (6) Two Beers by Ten should improve on turf. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-9.
9th race – (6) For Flying has been racing on Tapeta in graded stakes at Woodbine. Has a class edge here. (7) Mama Bella should work out a good trip in this field. (2) Dancing N Dixie has a nice late kick and cannot be ignored. (1) Design will benefit from a ground-saving trip. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-7.