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 – (2) Root Cause hasn’t raced since she finished second in her debut at Saratoga. Recent works indicate she primed for a strong showing. (8) Nonna’s Tiramisu didn’t fire on Tapeta but may prefer turf.  (7) Tawaret is a firster who merits attention. (3) Strategerized is another first-time starter who may have some talent. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-8.

4th race – (2) Best Seller tries Tapeta for the first time and may relish it. (1) Irony drops and may be a factor at this level. (3) Always Royal broke her maiden last time and should be well-suited by Tapeta. (9) Zosterop will be a threat if she duplicates her last try. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-9. Doubles: 1-2-3-9 with 1-2-5-12.

5th race – (1) Lawful (A) was hurt by a wide trip from post 10 last time when he lost by a length and can make amends from the rail. (2) Jamestown may perk up in a turf sprint. (12) Side Eye could be a factor on turf. (5) Portofino has speed and may not be caught here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-12.

7th race – (6) Grape Nuts Warrior deserves top billing off the Maker claim. (7) Chapalu has not raced since 2021 and has put in some solid works for his return. (1) Win d’Oro didn’t fire in his comeback race but could benefit from that trip. (8) Indy Lyon may turn in a better effort on turf. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-7-8.

9th race – (6) Hope in Him has plenty of speed and may not be caught here. (7) Biz Biz Buzz missed by a neck and looks like the one to fear. (1) High Front has not raced since May but put in a bullet work for this race. (3) Axthelm looms a threat in the final furlong.  Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-7.