Keeneland Hotlist - April 24

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Saturday, April 24, 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.

1st race – (5) John’s Protege didn’t fire in his comeback race but should be sharper today. (3) Official Business can be a threat in his career debut. (7) R You Awake is another firster who seems to have some talent. (6) Hometown Hero fits in nicely with this group. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5. Exactas: 3-5 over 6-7 and 6-7 over 3-5.

3rd race – (4) Jarreau has some experience at the elongated distance and gets top billing. (3) High Deff comes off a nice maiden win and should be a stretch threat. (5) Cool Rags disappointed last time but can bounce back here. (6) McLovin should be well-suited by the conditions. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-6.

5th race – (1) Sweet Serenade closed out 2021 in a stakes. Makes her 2022 debut in allowance company  and should prove best. (6) Postnup was a game second at the Fair Grounds and may emerge as the main threat. (3) Fair Game seeks a third straight win and should not be overlooked. (10) Peter’s Kitten can perk up on turf. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-10.

8th race – (2) Exact Estimate is a firster for Chad Brown who seems poised for a big effort. (11) Guest Speaker was an improved third in his second start and can move forward again here. (4) B Dawk ships in from the West Coast and should have a say in the outcome. (3) Kingmaker will welcome the shorter distance. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-11.

9th race – (4) Urban Fairytale (B) was game second in his 2021 finale. Is working in solid fashion for a sharp return to the races. (9) Abscond was beaten a half-length in a Fair Grounds stakes and will be a serious stretch threat. (6) Lashara is worth a look off the Lynch claim. (8) Jezebel’s Kitten will benefit from class relief here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-8-9.