Keeneland FULLCARD Bluegrass Stakes Day Hotlist - April 3

Today’s Keeneland Hot List fullcard selections
Saturday, April 3, 2021
Toyota Blue Grass Stakes Day

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 and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4^th or worst
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

1^st race – (5) Bennyfromthebronx was a distant second in his career debut and has the pedigree to take a step forward while trying two turns. (1) Ghazaaly missed by a neck at this distance and looms as the main rival. (4) American Law had a rough trip when second last time out and will be a key contender here.

2^nd race – (1) Bourbon Thunder comes off a big effort when stretched out to a mile. If he can duplicate that try here, he’ll be tough to beat. (8) Chasing Artie didn’t care for dirt in his lone try on it but may perk up with more seasoning. (2) Mahomes Money closed quickly for second and may cash in with the added distance. (4) Big In the City exits a maiden win at Oaklawn and fits well with these.

3^rd race - (9) Recidivist was second in his debut on an all-weather surface but certainly has the pedigree to handle dirt equally well. (11) Primary Endpoint debuts for Cox and seems well-meant. (5) Shadow Matter was a solid second in his debut and will be a top factor in this field. (10) K C Rocket was a useful third in his debut and may benefit from that try.

4^th race – (1) Secret Time has started three times in the United States, all of them in stakes company. She should appreciate the class relief here. (11) Enjoyitwhilewecan missed by a nose at Gulfstream and has enough speed to handle an outside post. (4) Vividly had trouble closing at Gulfstream but should find this course more to her liking. (3) Urban Fairytale may script a happy ending here.

5^th race – (9) Founder has put in some nice works for his 2021 debut and merits top billing here. (7) Warrant overcame some problems to notch a maiden victory and should pose the biggest threat to the top pick. (6) Joe Frazier has been freshened and may come out smokin’. (2) One Fast Cat has speed and the rail and may be tough to reel in.

6^h race – The Appalachian Stakes Presented by Japan Racing Association (G2) - (1) Jouster has a ton of speed and in a shorter race without a serious threat to challenge her early in the race, she should be able to lead gate-to-wire. (2) Spanish Loveaffair did not deserve to be DQ’d last time and may make amends today. (4) Plum Ali could be a threat in the final furlong after a layoff.

7^th race – The Commonwealth Stakes (G3) - (7) Hog Creek Hustle should find seven furlongs much to his liking and catch his rivals in the final yards. (2) Hidden Scroll won in his debut for Cox’s barn and cannot be ignored here. (1) Flagstaff may not have liked the Oaklawn surface and just might take a big step forward here. (6) Mucho didn’t fire on a wet track and can be a factor on a dry surface.

8^th race – The Shakertown Stakes (G2) - (2) Imprimis had a miserable trip in his last try at Keeneland when he was shut off and finished 13^th in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. He should work out a winning trip here. (9) Just Might is in excellent form and may not look back on the front end. (5) Turned Aside forced the pace last time but may work out a better trip here. (4) Hollis gets back on turf and can make his presence felt.

9^th race – The Central Bank Ashland (G1) - (6) Will’s Secret seeks a fourth straight win and can handle this group from the outside post in a short field. (3) Simply Ravishing was a Grade 1 winner over this track and has put in some promising works for her 3-year-old debut. (5) Malathaat is undefeated in three career starts and cannot be ignored.          

10^th race – The Madison Stakes (G1) - (4) Bell’s the One is a Grade 1 winner at this distance and should be able to collar her rivals here in the final yards. (6) Sconsin was quite competitive in the Breeders’ Cup and has been working fast for her comeback. (1) Sanenus won nicely in graded stakes company in California and will benefit from a ground-saving trip. (5) Kimari should be right there at the end off her best effort.

11^th race – The Toyota Blue Grass - (3) Highly Motivated was third in his 3-year-old debut but had a rough trip and should find the two turns to his liking. He’s quite capable of pulling off an upset. (4) Essential Quality is the undefeated division champ and is certainly the one to fear most. The rest of them will need an A+ effort to beat him. (2) Untreated showed great improvement in his second start and may be ready for the big challenge he will face here. (1) Hidden Stash is usually right there at the finish and could figure in the exotics.