Keeneland Hotlist - April 7

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch

Wednesday, April 7, 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.

1st race – (4) Kaufymaker debuts for Ward off a couple of bullet works and seems poised for a big effort. (6) Vidal has also put in some sharp works and looks like the one to fear. (7) Jack the Lad has also been working in a promising fashion. (3) Social Mandate should not be ignored in this spot. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-7.

3rd race – (8) Ballacolla rallied nicely for second in her career debut for Chad and looks like the one to beat. (7) A Thing of Beauty was fourth in both career starts and should take a step forward here. (5) The Flying Pharoah was sixth in her debut after a troubled trip. Will be a factor with a smooth journey. (4) Big Bee fits in nicely with this group. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-7-8.

5th race – (6) Never Content (B) deserves a second chance after an awful trip last time and seems ready for a top effort today. (8) Wolfbane had a rough start last time but should benefit from a switch to Saez. (3) Third Draft rallied for third and will be a stretch threat. (5) Perhaps Tonight could blossom in her third career start. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-8.

7th race – (3) Tuned has been racing in graded stakes and looks best in this spot. (9) Walk In Marrakesh should enjoy the class relief here. (11) Pocket Square makes her U.S. debut for Chad and can make her presence felt here. (5) Choate Bridge may rebound here after a brutal trip. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-9-11. Doubles: 3-5-9-11 with 1-3-4-6.

8th race – (6) Ike tired in his last two starts but might perk up on the front end here while switching to Irad. (4) High Five Cotton might appreciate some added ground here. (3) Stay Home was second in four of his last five starts and belongs in the exotics. The (1) entry of Long On Luck and Fevola should be not be discounted. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-6.