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 – (7) Saturday Flirt debuts for Ward and looks best in this spot. (4) Flip Flops has shown some promise in her morning works. (5) Biv seems set for a nice try in her debut. (12) Pootoogook can contend despite the outside post. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-7-12
4th race – (5) Barbara T has not raced in nine months but was second back then and gets the top spot here. (2) Barbtourage returns for Ward off a second and then a lengthy layoff. (3) Pontresina has some speed and can hang around until the end. (7) Tirupati is worth a look in her debut. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-7.
6th race – (1) One Giant Leap has speed and the rail and may lead throughout. (7) Moreau will welcome the turnback to a sprint. (4) Miracle Worker has a nice shot in this spot. (8) Chance has a good late kick and can sneak into the picture. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-7-8. Doubles: 1-4-7-8 with 2-6-9-12. Pick 3: 1-4-7-8 with 2-6-9-12 with 1-2-6-8.
7th race – (9) Alcove debuts for Cox and deserves top billing. (6) Stinger Bee was second last time and is the one to fear. (12) Where Ya At Vince is prepping smartly for his debut. (2) World Record could be in play here. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-9-12. Doubles: 2-6-9-12 with 1-2-6-8.
8th race – The Bewitch Stakes Presented by Keeneland Sales (G3) – (6) War Like Goddess is a classy 7-year-old mare who loves Keeneland. Is a standout in this field. (8) Vergara could be tough to catch. (2) Queens Command should appreciate the added distance. (1) Chop Chop will benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-8.