Keeneland Hotlist - April 21

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Thursday, April 21, 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.

2nd race – (4) Hippie Trail is a firster from Ward who seems ready to win at first asking. (1) Grand Oak gets Gaffalione and is worth a close look from the rail. (7) Dominicana was dismal in her debut but deserves a second chance. (9) Lotta Moscato could be a contender in this group. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-7-9.

4th race – (7) Lyrical Poet has been away since November but has enough speed to handle this field. (6) Foliage comes off a sharp win and could be the main rival. (8) Lomu had a rough trip last time and deserves a second chance here. (9) Super Design should appreciate the shorter distance in this race. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-7-8-9.

6th race – (2) Eyes On Target makes his first start since the Maker claim and merits top billing. (10) Our Country will welcome a return to turf. (1) Counterstrike should handle the switch from synthetics to turf. (3) Hawk of War had some trouble last time and merits attention here. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-10. Doubles: 1-2-3-10 with 5-7-8-9. Pick 3: 1-2-3-10 with 5-7-8-9 with 3-4-6-7.

7th race – (9) Falconet (A) missed by a head in a solid debut and should post a maiden win here. (7) Tiz American might perk up back on dirt. (8) Friendship Road raced wide last time and may work out a better trip here. (5) Mine for Passion can rebound with a better trip here. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7-8-9.  Doubles: 5-7-8-9 with 3-4-6-7.

8th race – (3) Disappearing Act was second at this marathon distance in a Santa Anita stakes. Gets top billing in this field. (6) Go Big Blue Nation looks like the one to fear. (7) Fate of Ophelia should be a stretch threat. (4) Flanigan’s Code is on an upswing and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-7.