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) Backside drops a notch after finishing a distant second and should get a maiden win. (4) Quality Spirits was a narrowly beaten second on turf, but runs on dirt here. (7) Admiral Hall returns from a long layoff and faces claimers for the first time. (1) Highlighter could be a threat from the rail. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-7.
3rd race – (2) Speed Skater was second last time and should put this field on ice. (7) Senora d’Oro switches to dirt and may move forward. (3) Unionville should be more competitive in a claimer. (1) Imprudent could be better off on dirt. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-7.
5th race – (5) Mainstream was third in MSW company last time and should thrive in a claimer. (1) Inordinary could welcome a return to dirt. (3) Dixie Devil should pose a late threat. (8) Hyperlink may perk up in this spot. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-8. Doubles: 1-3-5-8 with 1-2-3.
6th race – (3) Absolute Honor comes off a big maiden win and gets the call against winners. (1) Sassy Princess has speed from the rail and might be tough to catch. (2) Trust Fund Philly is a threat on her best try. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3.
8th race – Bewitch Stakes Presented by Keeneland Sales (G3) - (9) Speed Shopper has a win at this marathon distance and is in great form. (7) Just Basking should love the distance. (6) Mrs. Astor figures to be closing powerfully at the end. (8) Literate is in sharp form but is winless on turf. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-7-8-9.