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 – (5) Ambassador Blue tries a claimer for the first time and is working quickly. (7) Do Better was second in his debut and might do better here. (8) Ship Serve can make his presence felt in a claimer. (9) Hawkeye State could be a threat in his debut. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7-8-9.
3rd race – (1) I Wanna Be Me could be the right choice from the rail. (3) Au Naturel fits in with this group. (5) Science Rockets was second last time and cannot be ignored here. (7) Surfer’s Joy is worth a look. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-7.
5th race – (5) Gold Sovereign gets back on turf and looks best here. (4) Limited Edition shapes up as the one to fear. (3) Love’m Or Liam should be closing quickly at the end. (8) Mortal Lock merits attention against these. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-8.
7th race – (1) I’mwishingonastar missed by a neck and gets top billing here. (4) Clay Soldier should improve back on turf. (7) Love Actually looks like the one to catch here. (2) Baby Blocks cannot be ignored here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-7.
9th race – (4) Big Timer was third at this level and can get a win with Irad aboard. (7) Ruleroftheuniverse has not raced since August but may be a factor here. (5) My Man Money could cash in back on dirt. (1) Culpa might shine in his first start on dirt. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-7.