Keeneland Hotlist - April 23

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Saturday, April 23, 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 – (10) Uptown Hustler debuts for Ward and looks best in this spot. (6) Bendettijoe is another firster who could have an impact here. (8) Lawmaker also debuts for Ward and cannot be overlooked. (1) Trevise could work out a good trip from the rail. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-8-10.

5th race – (5) Nevisian Sunrise makes her first start since June but seems ready for a big effort. (9) Ensemble merits respect in her U.S. debut. (3) Seasons could be in the right spot at the right time. (1) Infinite Potential will welcome a return to turf. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-9. Doubles: 1-3-5-9 with 1-5-6-8.

6th race – (1) Casa de Goat starts her career with Cox and could be tough to catch from the rail. (8) Music Street is another making her debut who deserves a close look. (6) Lovely Princess put in a bullet work for this and should not be overlooked. (5) Faith’s Reward looks like the one to catch here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-8.

8th race –The Grade 3 Ben Ali Stakes -  (3) Proxy has turned in two good efforts after a layoff and looks like the one to beat. (5) Warrant missed by a head in the Santa Anita Handicap and should be the main rival. (4) Dynamic One can take a step forward after a third in a Tampa stakes. (7) Scalding won that Tampa stakes and should not be ignored. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-7. Doubles: 3-4-5-7 with 1-3-5-9.

9th race – The Grade 2 Elkhorn Stakes - (1) Bemma’s Boy had two useful preps for this after a long layoff and can prevail here. (3) Two Emmys has plenty of speed and will be the one to catch. (5) Channel Maker has plenty of class and will be formidable if there’s no rust from the layoff. (9) Another Mystery figures to be a factor in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-9.