Keeneland Hotlist - April 15

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Friday, April 15, 2022

    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 – (1) Stay Home was third last time at Gulfstream Park and should be able to handle this field. (2) High Heater could be a threat if there’s no rust from a long layoff. (8) Airwar could be tough in a claimer. (9) First Deputy might wake up on dirt. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-8-9.

4th race – (5) Guillame disappointed last time but might wake up in a claimer. (8) Fan Club has been no worse than third in his last four starts and should be the main foe. (2) Blue Jays rallied belatedly last time and deserves another chance here. (7) Perfect Cut should be formidable back in a claimer. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-7-8.

5th race – (3) Scarabea (B) figures to appreciate the cutback in distance here after a troubled trip last time. (1) Ocean Road made her U.S. debut in the Breeders’ Cup but fits much better here. (2) Flown seems ready for a solid effort in her 2022 debut. (8) Talking Book had a useful comeback try and deserves respect here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-8.

7th race – (3) Kaufymaker was third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint and looks best here. (6) Derrynane was fourth in that BC race and should be the one to fear. (4) Ruthin has been away but will be very tough on her best try. (2) Her World should be a major factor despite a lengthy layoff. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-6.

9th race – The Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile - (6) Smooth Like Strait is a gem of consistency and can start his 2022 season with a big win here. (3) Atone was a close fourth in the Pegasus and will be a main presence here. (7) Count Again will be flying at the end and cannot be overlooked. (8) Somelikeithotbrown could work out a great trip with the help of a soft pace. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-8.