By 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.
2nd race – (8) Governing Party (A) was a good third in his turf debut and should get a win here. (12) Hamlin had trouble in his debut and deserves a second chance. (3) Geometry was hurt by a wide trip in his debut. (1) Paraclete will be aided by a ground saving trip. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-8-12. Doubles: 1-3-8-12 with 1-4-5-6.
3rd race – (4) Two Sharp missed by a neck in a Grade 3 stakes and looks best here. (6) Zadorsky belongs in the exotics after a pair of seconds. (1) Stormy Mitole won her debut and can make noise here. (5) Coastal Invasion is worth a look on a dry track. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-6.
5th race – (11) Zap d’Etat flopped on dirt will welcome a return to turf. (9) El Muheet is an interesting firster from Walsh. (10) Authentic Style may like turf. (1) Johny’s Rendezvous could wake up in this spot. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-9-10-11.
7th race – (6) Keepsake debuts for Cox and seems ready for a big effort. (4) Taverna will appreciate being back on a dry track. (1) Truthorconsequence might be better in her second start. (12) My Lil Punky was a distant second last time. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-12. Doubles: 1-4-6-12 with 2-3-5-9.
8th race – The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Presented by Dixiana (G1) - (9) Grayosh was a sharp stakes winner at Saratoga and can make it two straight here. (5) Soprano arrives from Europe and should be the main rival. (3) She Feels Pretty was second to Grayosh and cannot be overlooked. (2) Caitlinhergrtness won the King’s Plate at Woodbine and should be a contender here. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-9
No. | Letter/Last race | Today’s race | Comment | ||||||
(8) | Governing Party | A, 9/7 | 2 KEE | Looked sharp in turf debut |