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.
2nd race – (8) Image of Me is another firster from Ward who seems poised to win at first asking. (9) Perfect Shances is another filly making her first start for Warf who seems to have plenty of speed. (3) Her Holy Name seems on edge for a big effort. (1) Baytown Storm could be a threat from the rail. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-8-9.
4th race – (4) Cage Match was a promising third in his debut and should graduate today. (8) Jefferson Street ran big after a layoff and should be the one to fear. (3) Midway Lights had an awkward start and could flash improvement here. (1) Rock N Roll Bolt missed by a nose and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-8.
6th race – (3) Spansive had some trouble in the stretch of a stakes and can make amends here. (4) Pleasant Passage is working sharply for her first start since August. (8) Swoop to Finish should be closing quickly at the end. (11) Papilio has late speed but must overcome a tough post. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-8-11.
8th race – (9) Chasing the Crown exits a stakes and will enjoy the class relief. (1) Ready to Purrform should benefit from her last start and be more competitive here. (2) Bay Street Money seems ready for a big effort despite the layoff. (10) Fort Washington can be a factor on his best try. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-9-10. Doubles: 1-2-9-10 with 5-6-7-10.
9th race – (5) Marco Sunset drops in class and looks best here. (10) Perfectly Wicked can make her presence felt in this field. (7) Lanetta will appreciate a return to dirt. (6) Upswell seems to fit in with this group. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-7-10.