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 – (1) Busk adds Irad for this trip and gets the nod from the rail. (5) Shape Note looks like the main rival. (6) Turn Up the Trees could be hard to catch. (2) Ludwig is worth a look after the Casse claim. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-6.
3rd race – (6) Amazing Amanda was an improved second last time and can earn a maiden win here. (11) Killa Sally is working sharply for her debut. (10) Turkish Pistachio could improve off a fourth in her debut. (1) Miss Super Mo should be a factor from the rail. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-10-11.
5th race – (10) Promises to Dance drops into a claimer and should prove best. (5) Hurricane Debbie may respond to a surface switch. (7) Antique Silver drops and fits nicely here. (9) Chief Lady may wake up here. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7-9-10.
7th race – (11) Fleetingly has a tough post but has never been worse than third in the US and gets top billing here. (2) Vina Arana has been away for more than a year since a winning US debut. Will be dangerous if ready, (4) Cha Cha Chukka should be in the picture here. (9) Unmerited Flavor comes off a maiden win and merits attention. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-9-11.
9th race – The Sycamore Stakes (G2) – (10) Ohana Honor had a nice prep for this and should respond with a big effort. (5) Grand Sonata has a strong late kick and could pose the biggest threat, (4) Utah Beach may also be in the picture in the late stages. (2) Safe Trip Home comes off a soli win at Colonial and might be a contender. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-10.