Keeneland Hotlist - April 22

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch

Thursday, April 22, 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.

3rd race – (1) Guajira is working sharply for her career debut and should win at first asking for Ward. (6) Cartel Queen also makes her debut and could be the main rival. (7) Golden Bell is another firster from Ward who merits consideration. (4) Why Behave put in a bullet fast gate work and can be a factor here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6. Exactas: 1-6 over 4-7 and 4-7 over 1-6. Doubles: 1-4-6-7 with 1-2-4-5.

4th race – (5) Talking Book exited a lengthy layoff and notched a maiden win. Can make it two in a row here. (1) Tasaamuh is worth a look in her U.S. debut. (2) Jazzy Lady was hurt by a slow start and a wide trip. Can bounce back here with Saez. (4) Candy Flower ships up from Florida seeking a third straight win and may blossom here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-5.

6th race – (6) Valletta (A) sports a three-race winning streak for Gargan and can make it a four-bagger in this spot. (9) Curly Ruth was a game second at Tampa Bay and might be the main rival today. (1) Queen Bridget is a candidate for an improved effort while switching to turf. (2) Family Way makes her U.S. debut and could be a contender. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-9. Doubles: 1-2-6-9 with 2-3-4-5.

7th race – (4) Goodnight Olive (C) dropped from 3-1 to 2-1 and wound up second in her debut. Makes amends for that loss here. (3) In a Dream debuts off a solid gate work and deserves some attention here. (5) Rules for Us is another firster who can make her presence felt. (2) Stand by You rallied belatedly for third in her first start and can move forward off that try. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-5.

9th race – (6) Coal Shaft drops into a claimer and should prove best against this bunch. (1) Lizqueenfluerdelis might pose some trouble in her debut. (10) Enchanted Island is another firster with a strong chance of being a factor in the final furlong. (2) Lady Frosted should perk up in a claimer. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-10.