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 – (7) Nerazurri was second in the Grade 3 Princess Rooney Stakes and has a class edge here. (4) Indy Label has closing speed and will fare better on dirt. (2) Miss Ellary was second or third in her last four starts and belongs in the exotics. (6) I Had That One Too ships in from California and merits attention. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-7.
5th race – (10) Barb should be well-suited by the seven-furlong distance after tiring at a mile. (11) Crazy Diamond had a useful debut at six furlongs and will appreciate the added distance. (5) Hitchcock could add some suspense in the final furlong. (6) Divine Justice was a solid second in his debut and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-10-11.
7th race – The Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes (G2) -- (4) World Record returns to the Bluegrass State after finishing third in the Grade 1 Bing Crosby at Del Mar. Seems best here. (5) Nakatomi had some rough efforts at Saratoga. Can rebound here. (2) Whatchatalkinabout will be dangerous on a dry track. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5. Doubles: 2-4-5 with 3-4-11-12. Pick 3: 2-4-5 with 3-4-11-12 with 1-2-3.
8th race – The Jessamine Stakes Presented by Keeneland Sales – (12) Time to Dream has a tough post but will be helped by a fast pace. (3) Carolyncaroline looms a threat stretching out here. (4) Aggressive Lime should be in the mix at the finish. (11) Imaginationthelady cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 12 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-11-12. Doubles: 3-4-11-12 with 1-2-3.
9th race – The Darley Alcibiades (G1) – (3) Tommy Jo was ultra impressive in two Saratoga wins including the Grade 1 Spinaway and looks best here. (1) Percy’s Bar was second to Tommy Jo in the Spinaway and could be the main threat once again. (2) Go to Girl could hang around for a share. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3.