Keeneland Hotlist - April 23

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch

Friday, April 23, 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 – (2) John’s Protoege looks like another 2-year-old who seems poised to win at first asking for Ward. (4) Las Belleza Negra could be ready for a strong showing. (3) Headline Report should be a factor in his debut. (7) Cachirulo might improve off his debut. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4. Exactas: 2-4 over 3-7 and 3-7 over 2-4. Doubles: 2-3-4-7 with 3-6-7-10.

3rd race – (3) Mr Annoying was an even third in his debut and should advance to the winner’s circle today. (7) After Five is graded stakes placed and will be dangerous in his 2021 debut. (6) Vassar’s Boy is working in a solid fashion toward his debut. (10) Modesto was second in his debut but is coming off a nine-month layoff. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-10.

7th race – (2) Bakers Boy had a wide trip off a layoff. Should benefit from that effort and will be more formidable against this group. (5) Ocean Atlantique lacked a strong late kick but could wake up here. (7) Conviction Trade didn’t fire in a stakes last time but will welcome the class relief here. (8) Battalion is in good form and should be a major factor. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-7-8.

9th race – The Grade 3 Bewitch Stakes - (8) War Like Goddess (A) closed fast to win a Grade 3 stakes at Gulfstream Park and should be able to handle the added distance. (2) Delta’s Kingdom was fourth behind the top pick last time and could be closer here. (6) Kalifornia Queen rallied mildly in her U.S. debut but can take a step forward here. (7) Dalika has plenty of stakes experience and will be quite competitive here. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-7-8. Doubles: 2-6-7-8 with 3-5-6-7.

10th race – (5) Title Shot tries claimers after a dull debut and should prove best here. (6) Tallaj could be ready for a big effort in his debut to give Ward a fitting end to a great meet. (3) Texas Playboy might be a main threat while running for McPeek for the first time. (7) Poseidon Wrath is working fast for his debut and merits attention. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6. Exactas: 5-6 over 3-7 and 3-7 over 5-6.