Several good clues in this one, including words 5 and 8.
Yes 5 and 8, once you know it’s not “THE” and “THEY” sets you up for #7 which gives you #3.
Number 2 kinda stumps you at first, until you go with your gut on the “U” and that gives your #1 and then it’s off to the Kentucky Derby beating your fingers in the Home Stretch to the Finish Line!!