Keeneland Hotlist - October 20

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022

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 – (8) Keen Lady takes a big class drop into a claimer and should emerge victorious. (7) Toe Dancer may take a step forward for new connections. (1) Bird Hunter will benefit from a rail trip. (3) Tian’ai Road could be effective at this level.  Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-7-8.

3rd race – (11) King Russell (B) had a useful debut and should be more formidable here. (10) Laver may  handle the switch from turf to dirt. (1) Escapologist rallied belatedly in his debut and should learn from that experience. (9) Demon Deacon could be a contender in his debut. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-9-10-11.

5th race – (7) Cold as Hell was third in his last two starts and is due for a victory. (8) Atras comes off a big win and will be a factor off the Barkley claim. (6) Mount Athos lost by a head and should be in the picture once again with the move to the Casse barn. (3) Pledgeofallegiance is in good form and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-8.

8th race – (8) Ethereal Road seems to be rounding back into top form and gets the nod here. (12) Creative Minister missed by a nose last time but has a tough post. (1) Saint Tapit might hang on from the rail. (9) Major General has some back class and could pull rank here. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-8-9-12. Doubles: 1-8-9-12 with 3-5-6-9.

9th race – (6) Mighty Madison was a good third in her debut and should appreciate more distance here. (5) Comparative was also third in her debut and should be the main rival. (3) Pure Pauline has the breeding to handle the added distance. (9) Grand Entrance can make her presence felt here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-9.