Keeneland Hotlist - April 15

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Thursday, April 15, 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.

1st race – (5) Averly Jane put in a fast work from the gate and should record a debut win for Ward. (2) Royal County had a rough trip last time but could be competitive here. (9) Texas Tiara also makes her debut for Ward and merits respect. (6) She’s a Fast One put in a bullet work for this start and should be a contender. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-9. Doubles: 2-5-6-9 with 1-4-5-6.

2nd race - (4) Ready to Answer (A) rallied belatedly in his turf debut to miss by a little more than a length. Should work out a winning trip today. (6) Maximiliano is worth a close look while debuting on turf for Ward. (5) Pirate Rick could be a threat in his turf debut. (1) Oceanic has enough speed to be a factor from the rail. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6. Exactas: 4-6 over 1-5 and 1-5 over 4-6.

5th race – (11) Greyes Creek ran well enough against graded stakes company to be the top pick here. (3) Midnight Tea Time should benefit from a switch to Saez. (5) Argentello was victorious the last time he faced Midnight Tea Time and will be a presence here. (4) Spanish Kingdom exits a nice win at Fair Grounds and merits attention. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-11.

7th race – (8) Jocker On Jack won after a year layoff and should be able to make it three in a row despite a break of nearly four months. (5) Bad Beat Brian seeks a fourth straight win and looks like the one to fear. (3) Maven disappointed in a graded stakes but has been training forwardly for his return. (2) Boldor could be a factor in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-8. Doubles: 2-3-5-8 with 1-2-4-7.

8th race – (4) Inject returns to the main track and should benefit from the turf-to-dirt switch. (7) R Working Girl was a promising debut winner for Ward and should be the main rival. (1) Sa Foradada rallied sharply to win on opening day and cannot be overlooked. (2) Mischiefful might be hard to catch in this spot. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-7. Exactas: 4-7 over 1-2 and 1-2 over 4-7.