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.

2^nd race – (3) Roanrunner could be tough to catch in this field. (4) Liam’s Champ adds Irad and deserves a long look in her turf debut. (2) Rosia Bay may welcome a switch to turf. (1) Malawnia will benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-4. Doubles: 1-2-3-4 with 1-4-6-12.

3rd race – (4) Eirik Ridge looks best while dropping into a claimer. (1) Modern Day Warrior debuts for Ward and may not look back from the rail. (12) Summonyourcourage might be a threat in a claimer. (6) Paved In Gold fits in nicely here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-12.

5th race – (2) Spaliday (A) flew home late for third in her debut and will make amends here.  (8) Argan should make a smooth switch back to turf. (9) Reay for Shirl debuts with a great pedigree for turf. (5) Scarlet Poppy is a firster who merits attention. Betting strategy: 2  to win, place.  Exacta box: 2-5-8-9.

9th race – The Jenny Wiley Stakes (G1) - (6) Gina Romantica closed out 2023 with a strong effort, losing by a length against males in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Starts 2024 on a winning note. (5) English Rose was a group 2 winner in Dubai and looks like the one to fear. (2) Fluffy Socks is highly consistent and belongs in the exotics. (7) Surge Capacity should be a factor in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place.  Exacta box: 2-5-6-7.

11th race – (11) Frontline Warrior gets the nod here while dropping out of stakes company and adding Lasix. (9) Moonlight will welcome a return to turf. (1) Pure Poetry could be just that from the rail. (5) Royal Majesty was hurt by a wide trip last time and can rebound here. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-9-11.