Ellis Park Hotlist - July 4

Today’s Ellis Park Hot List races to watch
Sunday, July 4, 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 4^th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

2nd race – (4) Flippant had a rough trip last time but can rebound here. (1) Ballot Initiative was an improved fourth on turf and should be a main factor. (2) Soma may wake up in this spot. (5) Robin’s Fantasy takes the blinkers off and can be a contender here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4. Exactas: 1-4 over 2-5 and 2-5 over 1-4. Doubles: 1-2-4-5 with 2-3-6.

3rd race – (3) Seaside Retreat was a sharp winner last time out at Churchill Downs and can handle these off a similar effort. (2) Coppella might appreciate the stretchout to a mile. (6) Hashtag Winner will appreciate a return to the main track. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6.

5th race – (5) Cheffy makes his first start since November but is working quickly and should be ready for a strong effort. (1) Casual Affair breaks from the rail and looms as the one to fear. (2) Global Appeal has enough speed to be a major threat. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5.

7th race – (5) Hozier has been racing in stakes company and should enjoy some class relief here. (8) Beachwalker is worth a look off the Moquett claim. (1) Fort Know should get a rail trip and could cash in. (2) Soros rallied for second and will be a factor in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-8. Doubles: 1-2-5-8 with 1-2-4-7.

8th race – (1) Dominga beat a nice field at Churchill Downs and can handle these for a second straight win. (2) Pass the Plate has a strong late kick and could be the one to fear. (4) Nope won her last and may register a big yes in the search for a winner. (7) Alnaseem won her last on the front end and might be hard to reel in this spot. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-7.