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)  Always Ready comes off a nice maiden score and should handle this field of winners. (9) Greatest also exits a maiden win and looks like the main rival. (1) Cairo Comedy will be helped by a rail trip. (3) Rogue Runner is worth a look in this field. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-7-9.

3rd race – (3) My Girl Nina drops in class and gets a positive rider switch. Looks best here. (5) Viable Asset seems like a promising firster. (7) Coded Elegance looks like another firster with some potential. (1) Cheri Cheri Lady could contend from the rail. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-7.

5th race – (3) Simo At the Big A drops in class and adds Lasix. Gets the nod in this field. (10) Vekoma Velocity had a miserable debut but should fare better here. (2) Cerberus could make his presence felt at the end. (5) Sim Sala Bim has been freshened and may return with a sharp try. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-10.

7th race – (3) Mila’s Wish stumbled last time and didn’t fire. Gets a second chance here. (2) Transactional Guy fits nicely in this field. (4) Messagefromtheking may like the shorter distance. (5) Adversary should be a threat on his best effort. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-5.

9th race – (6)  Contrary was a game second last time. Gets the win here. (2) Sherbini seems ready for a good try after moving to Pletcher’s barn. (4) Palm Desert has speed and could hang around until the end. (7) Royal Poppy might pose a late threat. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-7.