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 – (6) Ash Wednesday comes off a sharp win and can make it two in a row. (7) Tavria may respond to the switch to dirt. (3) Day Dawning should make a smooth switch back to dirt. (2) Champagne On Ice could be competitive in this group. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-7.
3rd race – (2) Scythia is training sharply for her debut. (6) Toxic Love should benefit from her debut. (3) Splendid could be tough to catch here. (7) Ragtime Sizzle is another interesting firster. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-7.
5th race – (2) Buttercream Babe could start her 2025 campaign with a win in this field. (8) Sweet Rebecca is training nicely for her return and merits attention. (1) Deep Satin is a main threat from the rail. (12) Partir is worth a look in her US debut. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-8-12.
8th race – The Bewitch Stakes Presented by Keeneland Sales (G3) - (7) Eternal Silence has enough speed to lead throughout. (2) Immensitude looks like the one to fear. (3) Forever After All will be closing quickly at the end. (8) Strikingly Spun fits nicely here. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-8.
10th race – (1) Ambitiously was hurt by a wide trip in his debut. Can make amends from the rail. (7) Tickled Quist was second in his last two tries and can complete the exacta again. (11) Sumood may thrive on turf. (3) Sardis can sneak into the picture late. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-7-11.