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.
5th race – (7) Last Man Standing had a nice debut at Tampa and should handle this field. (4) Pitkin was second in both career starts. How about a hat trick? (12) Interceptor took a nice step forward in his second start and deserves attention. (2) Shangrala Road looms a factor in this field. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-7-12. Doubles: 2-4-7-12 with 1-3-8-9. Pick 3: 2-4-7-12 with 1-3-8-9 with 2-4-10-11.
6th race – The Appalachian Stakes Presented by Japan Racing Association (G2) - (1) Nitrogen seeks a third straight win and looks best here. (3) Fionn should offer the biggest threat. (8) Lush Lips could be hard to catch in this field. (9) Foxtastic is worth a look here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-8-9. Doubles: 1-3-8-9 with 2-4-10-11. Pick 3: 1-3-8-9 with 2-4-10-11 with 2-4-6-8.
7th race – The Commonwealth Stakes (G3) - (2) Montalcino has sharp speed and may not look back. (4) Caramel Chip should pose a late threat. (10) Extra Anejo will be a top contender off his best try. (11) Whatchatalkinabout seems ready for his open stakes debut. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-10-11. Doubles: 2-4-10-11 with 2-4-6-8. Pick 3: 2-4-10-11 with 2-4-6-8 with 4-6-8-10.
8th race – The Resolute Racing Madison Stakes (G1) - (8) Mystic Lake is in great form and looks best despite the outside post. (2) Emery was a neck behind the top pick and should be the main rival once again. (6) Scylla has plenty of class and ability but has not raced since November in the Breeders’ Cup. (4) My Mane Squeeze will be helped by a fast pace. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-8. Doubles: 2-4-6-8 with 4-6-8-10.
9th race – The Valvoline Global Shakertown Stakes (G2) - (4) Rogue Lightning is a foreign import who may like the conditions. (10) Coppola looks like the one to fear. (8) Petcoff should work out a good trip here. (6) No Nay Hudson is always a threat in this kind of race. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-8-10.