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) Sugar Treat looks tough to beat at this level. (4) It’s Only Words should be the main rival. (1) Mama Maria will be a contender from the rail. (2) Patty’s Having Fun put in a sharp gate work for this. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-5.
3rd race – (6) Perfect Shances drops to a winning level. (5) Hockey should also be tough in this field. (1) J Z’s Last Schance could be a contender on her best try. (4) Evanora will be helped by a quick pace. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-6.
5th race – (7) World Traveler seems set for a winning effort in her return from Tampa. (4) Bubbly Champagne looms the one to fear. (8) Play Free Bird should not be ignored. (6) Clearly Copper will be a contender off the class drop. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-7-8.
7th race – (5) Road to Versailles drops off the Drexler claim and gets the nod here. (12) Frisson figures to make his presence felt despite the bad post. (3) Starrystarryknight had a nice comeback race and can take a step forward. (1) Sir Banana Brian might threaten with a rail trip. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-12.
9th race - (1) Sleepwalker should work out a winning trip from the rail. (2) Fantasy Performer is likely to be closing at the end. (3) Swoonatra could control the race on the front end. (7) Bottle Rocket ships in from California and is worth a look. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-7.