Keeneland Hotlist - April 8

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Thursday, April 8, 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 – (2) It’sfiftyshadetime had a wide trip around two turns at Oaklawn and tired in the final furlong. Should benefit from the shorter distance here. (3) Destinique seeks a third straight win and could be a main factor. (6) Stylish Rags drops to a level where she should be effective. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6. Doubles: 2-3-6 with 3-6-7-8.

2nd race – (7) Twilight Gleaming is working quickly for her debut and should be hard to beat. (6) Shesgotattitude put in a bullet work for her debut and should be a main threat. (3) Another Flat Drunk worked nicely for the gate and figures to be a contender. (8) Murgatroyd may be worth a look here. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-8.

5th race – (1) One Nation drops to a level where he should be a force on a dry track. (7) Copa was an impressive maiden winner and may emerge as the main rival. (8) Rye Humor fits with this group and deserves consideration. (2) Torin  will be a factor if he can duplicate his last try. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-8. Doubles: 1-2-7-8 with 5-7-8-12.

6th race – (7) Alexander Valley (A) was bumped late while suffering a narrow loss and can make amends here. (5) Avenue gets Saez back and should rebound with a solid effort. (12) Southern District can make a strong case for a victory, but has to overcome a bad post. (8) Performing Arts may be due for a better effort. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7-8-12.

9th race – (4) Perspective (B) was a game second in his debut for Gargan and seems well-spotted here. (7) No Angel is worth a long look in his career debut. (1) Cornbread Hill is another interesting firster who merits attention. (2) Derby Date should welcome the class relief in a claimer. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-7.