By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman

1st race –(5) Hodl Hard comers off a nice, front-running win and should handle this field. (7) L Rankin ships in from California and should be a key threat. (8) Trouble Time drops in class and should be dangerous here. (9) Heartily merits attention on his best try. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7-8-9.

3rd race – (6) Lord Majesty chases a fourth-straight win and looks best here. (9) Halfway Joking will not be fooling off a sharp Churchill Downs. (7) Dancin for Gold fits in with this group. (5) Nation could have an impact here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-7-9.

5th race – (3) Creole Chrome was a competitive third in a stakes last time and should be able to handle this field. (8) Rockies Balboa could KO this field. (10) Ship Ship Hooray is in great form and cannot be overlooked. (1) Camp Hale disappointed as favorite. May bounce back here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-8-10.

7th race –The Perryville Stakes (G3) – (12) Deep Flame was a good second in the Grade 1 Jerkens Memorial and gets the nod here despite the post. (11) Obliteration will welcome a return to dirt. (6) Dr. Kapur was second in the Grade 2 Gallant Bob and belongs in the exotics. (10) Doublecents turned in a career-best effort last time, but may bounce. Betting strategy: 12 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-10-11-12.

9th race – The Lexus Raven Run Stakes (G2) - (11) Movie Night rebounded with a big effort last time and can take another step forward here. (6) Percy’s Bar loves this track and is the one to fear. (8) Conceit seeks a fourth straight win and cannot be ignored. (9) Mashallah has speed and should be battling to the end while also eyeing a fourth-straight win. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-8-9-11