Keeneland Hotlist - April 17

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Saturday, April 17, 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 – (3) Ashaar was a game second last time at Oaklawn and should be able to post a maiden win here. (5) Portos has put in some sharp works for this and is capable of a better effort today. (1) Fort Knox could be helped by a rail trip. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5. Doubles: 1-3-5 with 6-8-9-10.

3rd race - (9) American Goddess was 0-for-7 last year with five fourth-place finishers. Seems poised to graduate in her 2021 debut. (8) Megan’s Clara was an improved third when switched to turf and could be the main threat. (6) Let Them Eat Cake figures to be a threat in the final furlong. (10) Six Feet Apart is an interesting firster from Ward. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-8-9-10.

5th race – (9) News Break was third in his debut for Maker and can take another step forward here. (4) Summer Palace was claimed by Sharp out of a decisive win and could be the one to fear. (10) Casanova Kitten had some traffic issues late and deserves a look here. (5) Exult rallied quickly to finish second last time and will be a contender here. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-9-10.

9th race – (7) North Dakota (B) was hurt by a slow start and wide trip in the Pegasus. Seems due for a better effort here. (1) Cross Border usually brings home a check and will be dangerous from the rail. (2) Say the Word ships in from California and should have little trouble with the marathon distance. (10) Red Knight is a graded stakes winner at the distance and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-10. Doubles: 1-2-7-10 with 3-6-8-11.

10th race – (11) State Treasurer switches back to dirt after finishing third when claimed by Scherer. May have found a winning spot here. (8) High Five Cotton was second earlier and should welcome the shorter distance. (6) Finnegan had a beneficial comeback race and will be a threat here. (3) Loopallu could be tough to catch in this spot. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-8-11.