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 – (8) Pinky Finger should start off 2-year-old racing with a win for Ward. (3) Monster shapes up as the main rival. (5) Chatterfield could be a factor. (1) Lily’s Army is worth a look from the rail. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-8.
3rd race – (2) Velvet Vortex was an impressive debut winner and can make it two in a row. (3) Shoot It True looks like the one to catch. (6) Foie Gras adds Lasix and merits attention. (8) Lynn’s Milky Way won easily at Gulfstream and cannot be overlooked here. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-8.
7th race – (2) Colloquial comes off a huge Aqueduct win and deserves top billing. (3) Smoken Wicked can bounce back with a big try here. (8) Rolando has keen speed and may hang around until the end. (5) Gate to Wire should appreciate the turnback. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-8. Doubles: 2-3-5-8 with 1-2-10-11. Pick 3: 2-3-5-8 with 1-2-10-11 with 2-3-4-6.
8th race – The Transylvania Stakes Presented by Keeneland Select (G3) - (11) Mi Bago should work out a winning trip from an outside post. (1) Chasing Liberty can rebound with a better effort here. (2) Reagan’s Wit should be closing fast at the end. (10) Clock Tower cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-10-11. Doubles: 1-2-10-11 with 2-3-4-6.
9th race – The Central Bank Ashland (G1) - (4) Muhimma was an even third in the Honeybee. Can move forward and post a win here. (3) Supa Speed lost by a nose in a Grade 3 at Santa Anita. Should be the main rival. (2) La Cara is in great form and belongs in the exotics. (6) Take Charge Milady had an awful trip last time and could be a contender here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-6.