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) Come On Poppi rallied for second at this level and should get a win here. (3) Decisive Maiara was third in that race and could be the main rival. (4) Bint Mischief is worth a look off the claim. (5) Bella Bello Banker will be better suited by turf. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-5.
3rd race – (2) Noble Sky is way overdue for a maiden win and should get it here. (3) Step Slow seems fast enough to be the main rival. (6) Can’t Stop Munnings will appreciate a return to dirt. (7) Wheelhouse may perk up in a claimer. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-7.
5th race – (8) Nacho Problem was second and looks best off the Cox claim. (5) Dolce Vino had a rough trip last time and can bounce back here. (4) Fermi looked good in a debut win. (10) Lucky Esther might pose a late threat. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-8-10. Doubles: 4-5-8-10 with 2-4-6.
6th race – (2) Both Sides has a nice turn of speed and may lead throughout. (4) Smart Jenny missed by a neck and should be the top rival. (6) It’s Only Words fits nicely here. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6.
9th race – (7) Golden Beach could shine in this spot. (2) Drama can create some excitement in this field. (1) Tululo posted a solid debut win. (3) The Package won her lone race on Tapeta. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-7.