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 – (3) Shadrack was a game second last time at Sam Houston and seems poised for a win. (4) Tapage missed by a nose and will be formidable off the Sharp claim. (5) P H Factor has the outside post but may be quick enough away from the gate to offset it. (1) Code Runner is worth a look back on dirt. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4. Exactas: 3-4 over 1-5 and 1-6 over 3-4. Doubles: 1-3-4-5 with 1-2-8-9.

2nd race – (3) Presider drops into a claimer and merits top billing in this field. (10) Patrolman starts for Cox for the first time and looks like the one to fear. (1) Magnificus was second on a muddy track and should improve on a dry surface. (4) Apollo Rising was claimed by McGee and is worth a look. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-10.

4th race – (7) Forever After All makes her 2023 debut off solid works and earns a slight nod in this field. (1) Loved has not raced in more than a year, but some bullet works say she’s ready for this race. (5) Her Ladyship could wake up in this spot. (2) Autism Community should be a contender in this group. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-7.

7th race – (1) Coppa Girl debuts for Cox from the rail and may not look back. (5) Magical Lute makes her seasonal debut and will be dangerous on her best try. (9) Shesasmalltoengirl was third at Oaklawn and could move forward here. (2) Truly Grateful seems poised for a big try in her debut. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-9.. 9th race – The Baird Doubledogdare (G3) - (4) Interstatedaydream ran against the division’s best in the Azeri and should prove hard to handle. (2) Green Up seems ready for a strong effort for Pletcher after a layoff. (8) Shotgun Hottie is training smartly and could be a main factor with a smooth trip. (7) Hidden Connection has enough back class to be a threat. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place.  Exacta box: 2-4-7-8.