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 – (12) Daphne Blue has the outside post but should win at first asking for Ward. (9) Kadabra is an interesting starter from Pletcher. (5) Lennilu could bring home a piece of the purse. (11) The Little Sultana could be a factor in this field. Betting strategy: 12 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-9-11-12. Doubles: 5-9-11-12 with 4-6-9-11.
2nd race – (4) Shortstop drops to a level where he should prove best. (6) Baobab may wake up in a claimer. (9) Midnight Survivor should improve off his career debut. (11) Paved in Gold fits nicely here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-9-11.
4th race – (4) Magnum Force was second last time and should “make my day” for his backers. (5) Piquant can offer a dangerous late threat. (8) Art Fair could be tough to catch in this field. (7) South Bend Tom is worth a look here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-7-8.
6th race – (4) Liam in the Dust can bounce back with a better effort here. (10) Chasten drops out of stakes company and could be the main rival. (9) Justinqueso comes off a good second and cannot be ignored. (8) Ultima Grace is a threat while stretching out. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-8-9-10.
9th race – The Middleground Capital Beaumont Stakes (G2) - (4) Continuity is working sharply for her 2025 debut and should turn in a big effort. (1) Eclatant took a Grade 3 stakes at Gulfstream and figures to be the main rival. (3) G W’s Girl belongs in the exotics. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4.