Keeneland Hotlist - October 17

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Sunday, Oct. 17, 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.

2nd race – (7) Supertaleofhoudini drops in claiming price and should be able to handle this group. (5) Vietnam drops into a claimer and is worth a look. (2) High Fair may wake up while shifting to the main track. (4) Sentimental Cross has speed and could be tough to catch. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-7. Doubles: 2-4-5-7 with 5-6-7-10.

3rd race – (7) Hardspun Woman (A) was a good second while racing wide on a day that favored inside paths. She should work out a winning trip here in her first try for Maker. (6) Lady Mercedes is a firster who could be a contender. (5) Haughty won her debut but was disqualified. Can make amends here. (10) Candy Kick should benefit from a mediocre debut and turn in a better effort. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-7-10.

6th race – (6) Souper Dormy was second or third in four of her last five starts and seems the most consistent member of this bunch. (12) Competitive Saint could be a main threat from the outside post. (2) American Mandate might be ready for a big effort after a freshening. (9) Goalie ships in from California and is worth a look in his first try for Diodoro. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-9-12.

8th race – (6) Illegal Smile (B) raced wide against a bias last time and should get a better trip here. (2) Amalfi Princess comes off a solid win and should be the main rival. (4) Can’t Buy Love didn’t fire in a stakes but fits better here. (11) Spicy Marg looks like the one to catch in the stretch. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-11. Doubles: 2-4-6-11 with 4-7-8-9.

9th race – (4) Dawson Springs was an improved third at this level last time and may graduate from the maiden ranks today. (7) My Zip Zip was second on turf but should like dirt as well. (9) Jerusalema had a bumpy start last night and might rebound here. (8) Tinsel could perk up in a claimer. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-7-8-9.