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Keeneland Select

Ellis Park Hotlist - July 3

July 2, 2021

Today’s Ellis Park Hot List races to watch
Saturday, July 3, 2021

By 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.

2nd race – (2) Midnight Lewis showed a good turn of speed for seven furlongs in a mile test. Cuts back to six furlongs here and might lead throughout. (3) Cuz returns to turf and should be the main threat. (4) Pretty Boy Elm should be effective at this reduced level. (8) Schochoh will be a factor if he takes to turf. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-8. Doubles: 2-3-4-8 with 2-3-5.

3rd race – (2) Ike has some speed and might be tough to catch against this bunch. (5) Killeen takes a big class drop and should be formidable here. (3) Dealin’ Stelen flopped last time but can wake up here for Asmussen. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5.

5th race – (1) Lady Protonico was a sharp winner at Churchill Downs two starts back and can handle this field with a similar effort. (2) Ready N Waiting turned in a string of good efforts at CD and is definitely the one to fear. (6) Lele was second in an allowance race over the track but has not raced since August and may need a start. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6. Doubles: 1-2-6 with 2-4-8-9. Pick 3: 1-2-6 with 2-4-8-9 with 1-2-3-10.

6th race – (8) Yin Yang is a firster who is working nicely for her career debut with Cox and should be well-suited by turf. (2) Mama Rina is another firster who could have a say in the outcome. (9) Murgatroyd tries turf for the first time and could take a liking to it. (4) Moon Over Tuscany is another firster who seems to have some potential. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-8-9. Doubles: 2-4-8-9 with 1-2-3-10.

7th race – (10) On the Rise debuts for Jones and seems primed for a strong effort here. (1) Upandcomingstar debuts for Asmussen and should benefit from a rail trip. (2) Palm Cottage is another firster who looms a factor in this field. (3) Strong Silent adds to the mix of interesting first-time starters. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-10.