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.

2nd race – (5) Cowichan makes her 3-year-old debut for Ward and seems best in this spot. (9) L J’s Emma could have a nice future on turf. (11) Snow Princess could also take a step forward on turf. (12) Secret Money should appreciate some added ground. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-9-11-12.

3rd race – (6) Keen Lady seeks a third straight win and should handle this bunch. (4) Treasure of War could perk up back on dirt. (8) Honorifque should be a threat in the final furlong. (3) Lucy’s Cakes Fly may wake up on turf. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-8. Doubles: 3-4-6-8 with 3-4-5-12.

6th race – (5) Teshima returns to a claimer and is worth a long look here. (3) Little Dixie might fare better in a claimer. (4) Paddy Gal adds Lasix here and could be a factor. (10) Melinoe fits in with this group. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-10. Doubles: 3-4-5-10 with 2-3-6-7.

7th race – (6) Limited Liability makes his 2023 debut and has enough stakes experience to handle this field. (3) Alex Joon should be a big factor in the final furlong. (7) Bakwena will also benefit from a quick pace. (2) Encourage will be a threat on his best try. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6. Exactas: 3-6 over 2-7 and 2-7 over 3-6.

9th race – (4) Freydis the Red showed some promise at 2 and should graduate in her first try as a 3-year-old. (12) Rosy Tomorrows had a useful debut and can move forward here. (11) Mended We Stand will welcome more distance. (3) Astrila had some trouble last time and can rebound here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place.  Exacta box: 3-4-11-12.