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 – (3) Blue Eyed Soul was second in her two starts and seems ready to graduate from the maiden ranks. (9) Spiritual Lady drops in class and should be a main threat. (2) Up the Creek may perk up in a claimer. (4) Charm of the Song could respond to a class drop. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-9. Doubles: 2-3-4-9 with 1-6-7-10.
2nd race – (1) Raise the Bar looks like another 2-year-old winner for Ward. (10) Tapris Valor is working sharply for his debut. (6) Ace It seems set for a solid try. (7) Tuxedo Park has put in a string of bullet works for his debut. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-7-10.
4th race – (3) Curlins Incharge finds a spot where he may finally graduate. (10) Stately Order is worth a look off the Tomlinson claim. (12) Top of the Street takes a big class drop but landed the outside post. (2) Photo Op may improve on dirt. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-10-12.
6th race – (10) Battle of Normandy has been away for more than six months but will be dangerous if there’s no rust. (11) Alexis Zorba looks like the one to catch despite the outside post. (9) Mischievous Angel has been training forwardly for her comeback. (4) Malibu Springs could be a threat in this field. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-9-10-11.
8th race – (3) Deer District is highly consistent and will benefit from an inside post. (12) Belouni could be a main contender if he can handle the outside post. (11) American Diamond will be a factor in the final furlong. (2) Greek Order is worth a long look in his U.S. debut. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-11-12.