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 – (6) Burnaway should benefit from a return to Tapeta. (8) Mexican Sugar could be a threat here. (2) Gullfaxi faces tougher off a nice win. (3) Bet Stormy will be a threat off his best try. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-8. Doubles: 2-3-6-8 with 4-5-6-11.

2nd race – (4) Bunratty Manor (A) was a game second last time and should get the win here. (6) Taratel may like turf. (5) Chelsey’s Choice seems set for a sharp 2025 debut. (11) Oak Alley is an interesting firster. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-11.

4th race – (4) Tshiebwe could pay a quick dividend off the claim by Narvaez. (5) Focusyn should be the main foe. (1) Top Maverick may like the shorter distance. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5.

6th race – (6) Gatsby raced in a stakes last time and looks best here. (7) Smooth Flyin Mike could take off here. (4) Thought merits respect off a solid win last time. (1) Old Chestnut may perk up on dirt. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-7.

8th race - (1) Now Showing can work out a winning trip from the rail. (2) Denver’s Alley could be tough to catch here. (6) Baby Blocks has a late kick and may contend. (4) St. Olaf Rose will appreciate a return to Tapeta. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-6.