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 – (10) Souper Times looks like he’s ready for a big effort in his debut for Casse. (9) Candytown is an interesting firster from Pletcher. (7) Classy War was gelded since his last start in May and is working nicely. (1) Global Prosperity may fare better on Lasix. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7-9-10.
4th race – (6) El Guty is a firster from Pletcher who looks best here. (2) Back in Business steps up off a good second in his debut. (4) Gryphon can make his presence felt here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6.
6th race – (7) After Taxes was second last time and should graduate here. (1) Papa Golf will be a main factor from the rail. (2) Swirling Eights belongs in the exotics. (8) On the Mount is a firster who cannot be discounted. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-8.
8th race – (8) Just Relax has been racing in stakes and looks best here. (9) He’s a Beast debuts off some sharp works. (4) Flood Zone was second in his debut and should not be ignored. (7) Oleg will enjoy the cutback in distance. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-7-8-9.
10th race - (1) Guns Loaded exits a sharp win at Churchill Downs and could lead throughout from the rail. (4) Treaty of Rome was a solid maiden winner and should be a contender in this field. (8) Naughty Rascal has considerable stakes experience and should be battling to the end. (3) McKellen was a nice second in allowance company and may like the distance. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-8.