Keeneland Hotlist - July 12

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Sunday, July 12, 2020

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.

3rd race – (4) Digital Software (A) was a game second in his debut to a horse who won next time out. Today should be his day to graduate. (7) Midnight Jostar had a rocky trip last time and should be more competitive today. (2) Parkland woke up in his debut and cannot be ignored. (5) East Lex was hurt by a wide trip and should get a better trip here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-7.

5th race - (3) Empire of War has been working sharply since arriving from Florida and seems ready for a big effort. (5) Bird’s Eye View was an even third last time and seems capable of a better trip here. (8) Morocco raced wide last time and is capable of being more competitive here. (4) Chaps might be tough to catch on the stretchout. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-8.  Doubles: 3-4-5-8 with 1-2-3-6. Pick 3: 3-4-5-8 with 1-2-3-6 with 1-5-7-9.

6th race - (1) Market Rumor had some traffic issues and still managed to lose by a length. Makes amends here. (6) Heavenly Sis only missed by a neck and will be dangerous once again. (2) Aunt Dorothy might perk up while switching to dirt. (3) My Favorite Day may be worth a look in her career debut. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-6. Doubles: 1-2-3-6 with 1-5-7-9.

7th race – The G3 Kentucky Utilities Transylvania Stakes - (9) Spanish Kingdom (C) dropped from 36-1 to 26-1 and then posted a decisive win. A similar effort will make him a major factor here. (5) Vintage Print seeks a third straight win and will be a main threat. (1) Field Pass has enough speed to be dangerous from the rail. (7) Fancy Liquor also has a nice turn of seed and should right there at the finish. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-7-9.

9th race – The G2 TVG Elkhorn Stakes - (10) Arklow missed by a head after a five-month layoff and should benefit from that effort. Gets a narrow nod in a competitive field. (5) Zulu Alpha won the Pegasus Turf, beating Arklow, and is definitely the main rival. (12) Hierarchy exits a nice win and could be a factor if he takes a step forward. (7) He’s No Lemon should be a main threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7-10-12.