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 – (5) Up On the Edge should bounce back with a big effort on dirt. (7) Story Hour drops to a level where she should be successful. (4) Thestral drops off a weak effort. Deserves a look. (6) Sunny Isle Beach can hang around until the end. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-7.
3rd race – (2) Implementation didn’t fire on turf. Look for a better try on dirt. (3) Harrodsburg has keen early speed and could be tough to catch. (1) Track Mate might wake up here. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3.
5th race – (3) El Rezeen flopped last time but seems ready to run well here. (5) Common Defense should be on the lead and can be in the picture at the end. (12) Crystal Quest can make his presence felt at the end. (7) Bail Us Out may like the distance. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-7-12.
7th race – The Franklin Stakes (G2) - (9) Future Is Now has won 5 of her last 6 starts and earns top billing here. (7) Luna Louska has big speed and is the one to fear. (6) In Our Time has speed and should be a factor throughout. (2) Time to Dazzle should be closing at the end. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-7-9.
9th race – (3) She’s On a Roll will appreciate the cutback in distance and post a maiden win. (1) Bluegrass Town was hampered by a wide trip in his debut. Should be closer from the rail. (4) Cynical Humor put in a sharp gate work for this. (7) Spirit of a Walkon may be better suited by turf. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-7.