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) Reality Star gets back on dirt and looks best here. (4) Raghba has been second five times and can add to that figure. (2) Song of Sarah was second last time and belongs in the exotics. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4.
3rd race – (8) Perfect Figure seems ready for a big effort in her first start since August. (10) Hot Mash was last seen in a Grade 1 stakes and is the one to fear. (12) Stepping Stones could be a factor if she overcomes the post. (7) Capturing may be suited by the distance. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 7-8-10-12.
8th race – (6) Works for Me had a useful 2026 debut and can move forward off that try. (11) Arrest Me Red is hard to ignore at this level. (1) Troubleshooting will be helped by a rail trip. (3) Dhabab deserves attention despite not racing since November. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-11. Doubles: 1-3-6-11 with 1-5-6-9. Pick 3: 1-3-6-11 with 1-5-6-9 with 3-6-7-8.
9th race – Ben Ali Stakes (G3) - (6) Batten Down has speed and can control the pace and the race. (9) Honor Marie will be helped by a fast pace. (1) Stars and Stripes seems on edge for a return to stakes company. (5) San Siro should be a factor in the stretch. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-9. Doubles: 1-5-6-9 with 3-6-7-8.
10th race – VisitLex Elkhorn Stakes (G2) - (6) Burnham Square looked good in his 2026 debut and gets the call here. (7) Truly Quality likes the distance and cannot be overlooked. (8) Tawny Port has the necessary class and stamina but has not raced since early November. (3) Utah Beach won this stakes last year and can make his presence felt once again. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-8.