Keeneland Hotlist - July 8

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Wednesday, July 8, 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.

1st race – (6) Beaver Hat (B) took a ton of late money and finished third but then was moved up to the MSW level for a grass race. He returns to a dirt claimer here and might be ready for a big effort. (2) Cernan might be effective at this level. (7) Can’tbetemall had a wide trip last time and might fare better here. (1) Loan Shark could wake up with blinkers added. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-7. Doubles: 1-2-6-7 with 1-2-5.

2nd race - (5) Stellar Stiletto (B) was hurt by a slow start then rallied to miss by a head before getting the win through a DQ. She will be dangerous here if she can duplicate that effort. (1) Heavens Whisper was a sharp winner last time and looks like the one to fear. (2) Take Charge Erica has some speed and could be tough to catch. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5.

4th race - (6) Forty Zip got off to a slow start in her career debut for Shug. Rallied belatedly to lose by two lengths and should benefit from that effort and take a big step forward here with the addition of Lasix. (5) Flying the Colors was second in her last two starts and can complete the exacta here. (7) I Hear You was a useful fifth in her debut and seems capable of a better try here. (1) Fate Factor missed by a neck and will be dangerous from the rail. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-7.

6th race - (2) Greyes Creek was a sharp winner for Chad in his second try on turf and seems headed for a promising career. Looks best here. (9) Andesite showed promise at two and should be the main rival here. (13) Bee Catcher could be a threat here despite a bad post. (5) Scabbard has some back class and might be more formidable in his second try on turf. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-9-13.

8th race – (5) Cambria has been idle since the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint but Ward thrives on having his horses ready off long layoffs and she’s the one to beat here against the boys. (8) Ikeisgreat had some traffic issues in the stretch and could be closer at the finish. (2) Maven, who is also trained by Ward, has been away from the races for nearly a year and cannot be ignored. (6) Souper Dormy exits a solid win and merits respect. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-8.