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 – (8) Protective drops into a claimer and that should trigger a winning effort. (6) Scottish Storm exits a nice maiden win and should be a threat. (4) Handsome Pants drops in class and may wake up. (7) Palagio could sneak into the picture. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-7-8.
3rd race – (5) Overstatement was hurt by a wide trip last time and could bounce back. (7) Bettera has some speed and can hang around until the end. (3) Laughnowcrylater also rallied wide and merits a second chance. (8) Ultimate Strike comes off a big win and can make his presence felt. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-7-8.
5th race – (7) Castle Island has sharp speed and could work out a nice trip. (1) Eye Witness may be helped by a rail trip. (6) Magnolia Midnight looks like the one to catch. (2) Outlier may perk up on a dry track. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-7.
7th race – (6) Lady Go Go closed nicely at 6 furlongs and will welcome the added furlong. (3) No What Ifs looks like the main rival. (7) Belle Ofthe Dance will appreciate being back on dirt. (5) She Called could be a threat here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-7. Doubles: 3-5-6-7 with 2-6-7-8.
8th race – (7) Cameo Performance has been running in stakes and has a class edge here. (8) Mountain Bear fits in nicely here. (6) Gilded Craken has speed and could hang around until the end. (2) Beyond Stoked cannot be ignored in this field. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-7-8.