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 – (4) Not Now Nick may respond to a switch to turf. (7) Ramses the Great was second last time and should be the key rival. (9) Antonino was a solid maiden winner last time. (8) Madagascar may shine on turf. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-7-8-9.
3rd race – (7) The Other One might be tough to catch in a claimer. (3) Looks to Kill should be the one to fear. (8) Street Sue faces claimers for the first time while making her first start since July. (2) Volamo is worth a look in this field. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-8.
5th race – (6) Bronze Bullet was a wide third in his turf debut. Makes amends here. (7) Nickel C showed promise in a maiden last time. (1) My Favorite Bird will be helped by a rail trip. (4) Squire would benefit from a fast pace. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-7. Doubles: 1-4-6-7 with 1-5-6.
6th race – (5) Beautiful Bolt was second and third in her last two starts and is due for a win. (6) Five Eyes Onmichel had a troublesome start last time and can bounce back here. (1) Widerthanamile could become a Huckleberry friend with a winning effort. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6.
9th race – (4) Risk Factor had a tough trip when a close third. Gets the win here. (5) Giant Teddy chased a fast pace last time Could be formidable here. (2) Air Force Cruising was a solid second and should be in the picture once again. (3) Coffee At K J’s steps up but cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-5.