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 – (2) Bubbly Champagne steps up in class but usually fires on Tapeta. Gets the nod here. (5) Classic Diva is worth a look on Tapeta. (9) Demar’s Legacy should be a threat here. (4) Look Like It drops in search of a win. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-9. Doubles: 2-4-5-9 with 1-3-4-5.
2nd race – (4) Rancho Vista has speed and can lead throughout here. (3) Candy and Wine could have talent but debuts at a low level for bigtime connections. (5) Happy Sunday drops to a level where she should be competitive. (1) Cicatriz may be helped by Lasix. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-5.
4th race – (2) Pirate Radio gets a big jockey switch and could be poised for a nice effort. (7) Secret Lover takes a drastic drop. (6) Sixteen Cigarettes could smoke this field. (1) Flatter Me may benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-7.
6th race – (1) Spirited Boss was third in her third in her debut and should graduate here. (4) Grade A was second last time and is the one to fear. (5) Win After Win is an interesting firster. (3) Starship Vengeance could be a contender here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-5.
8th race - (1) Beastly Speed has speed from the rail and may not be caught. (7) Raging Fury should work out a good trip here. (3) Improptude belongs in the exotics. (8) Call the Calvary is worth a look in this field. Betting strategy: 1 to win , place. Exacta box: 1-3-7-8.