Keeneland Hotlist - April 9

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Friday, April 9, 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) Pi Yo Princess disappointed last time but can perk up while facing claimers for the first time. (6) Epicurean was third last time at Gulfstream and should be a main threat. (4) Cardioversion switches back to dirt and figures to be a factor. (3) Kiss Theory should appreciate a turf to dirt switch. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6. Exactas: 2-6 with 3-4 and 3-4 over 2-6.

3rd race - (8) Absam (B) had a rough start last time and rallied to finish fourth. Should work out a better trip here. (1) Sergeant Strwberry could be ready for a big effort in his debut. (6) Nineeleventurbo belongs in the exotics against this field. (4) El Kabong might improve off his career debut.   Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-8.

6th race – (5) Spice Is Nice has been absent since August but has placed in graded stakes and seems to be working toward a solid effort here. (4) Maedean was third in her first start for Shug and could take a step forward here. (1) Movie Moxy is a threat from the rail. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5. Doubles: 1-4-5 with 3-8-9-11.

7th race – The TVG Limestone Turf - (8) Campanelle hasn’t raced since the Breeders’ Cup and seems nicely spotted for a successful comeback. (9) Goin’ Good has a nice turn of speed and could be tough to catch in this spot. (3) Carimba is 2-for-2 and will be a major force here. (11) Nimbostratus ships in off some sharp Santa Anita races and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exactas: 3-8-9-11.

9th race – The Maker’s Mark Mile (G1) - (6) Ride a Comet didn’t fire at Santa Anita but can rebound with a strong effort here. (2) Hit the Road arrives from California with a four-race win streak and is definitely the one to fear. (8) Raging Bull has plenty of class and can make his presence felt in this spot. (1) Get Smokin has enough speed to be dangerous from the rail. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-8.