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 – (7)  The Town was third on dirt last time and should make a smooth switch to turf. (8) Nickel C looks like the main challenger. (2) Coach Kain should be a threat in a claimer. (3) Rawayana could perk up in this field. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-8.

3rd race – (1) Whirlwind was a good third at this level and he should prevail from the rail here. (4) Camm’s Princess finished in front of the top pick last time but got away with a slow pace. (7) Smooth Claret should be helped by a stretchout. (5) U Know When U Know comes off a sharp win. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-7.

5th race – (4) Proud American steps up off a win and David claim and gets the nod here. (8) Blazing Bucchero takes a big class drop and returns to dirt. (5) Dogwood Crossing can get back on the winning track here. (6) Without Pretence could bounce back here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-8.

7th race – (4) Souper Attentive is in sharp form and looks best in this field. (6) My Voodoo Doll may like the added distance. (10) Win With Faith fits in nicely but has a tough post. (1) Catch a Tiger has speed and may not look back. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-10.

9th race – (6) Ashima drops out of a stakes race and should handle this field. (2) I Love Venezuela may be hard to catch here. (3) Oshala should pose a late threat. (1) Insoleta will benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-6.