Keeneland Hotlist - October 16

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Saturday, Oct. 16, 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.

3rd race – (1) Heston rallied late for third in his debut. He should benefit from that experience and prevail here from the rail. (4) Federal Hill has a nice turf pedigree and may wake up in this spot. (3) Verbier is a firster who deserves attention. (10) Grand Sonata was a distant second in his debut but must overcome a bad post. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-10.

5th race – (7) Hanalei’s Houdini returns to dirt and should turn in an improved performance. (9) He’s No Lemon  has worked sharply over the track and might wake up here. (6) Fighting Seabee may be effective at this level while returning to the main track. (1) Lord Dragon may roar from the rail.  Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-7-9. Doubles: 1-6-7-9 with 1-4-8-10.

6th race – (4) Curbstone was an improved second in his second start and seems ready to graduate today. (1) Hashtag No Wonder has late speed and will be helped by a ground-saving trip. (10) Faith Runner might take a step forward against these. (8) Big Woo is worth a look in his debut. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-8-10.

8th race – The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup - (3) Shantisara has gotten better with each of her three U.S. starts for Chad Brown. Continued improvement should put her in the winner’s circle again. (4) Empress Josephine returns with a week’s rest after finishing a good third against older, Grade 1 fillies. Looks like the main rival. (2) Technical Analysis has plenty of speed and could be tough to catch here.  (1) Burning Ambition is progressing the right way and will be a main threat. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-4.

10th race – (4) Chili Petin (A) has not raced since April but is working quickly and will be hard to handle on her best try.  (3) Ghosting Kim can take a step forward here after a tough race at Kentucky Downs. (6) Signify won nicely last time and belongs in the exotics. (1) Social Chatter will be a threat in the stretch. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-6.