Keeneland Hotlist - October 21

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 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.

2nd race – Ward sends out the (1) entry of Sunny Isle Beach and Eagle Eye in this claimer. Whichever one runs deserve top billing. (5) Hygh I.Q. tries claimers after a gritty MSW win and merits a look. (4) Passageway steps up in class but may be a factor at the end. The (2) entry of Press Snooze and Algebraic is also very interesting with Algebraic being the one to watch. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-5. Doubles: 1-2-4-5 with 1-2-8-13.

3rd race - (2) Tiz Splendid News (A) just missed in a tough Kentucky Downs test and should prevail here. (13) Cadencia will be the one to fear if she escapes the also-eligible list. (8) Nota Bene seems ready for a good effort in her debut. (1) Excessive Lady might perk up on turf. Use (11) Madame Ready if there’s a scratch. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-8-13.

5th race – (2) Intrepid Heart has won both of his last two starts and though the voided claim in his last win is a long-term concern, he seems well-placed to grab a victory today. (5) Mi Tres Por Ciento stumbled and lost his rider at the start of his last race but can bounce back here at this level. (1) Jungle Warfare seems ready for a better effort on dirt. (8) Street to Indy should be a contender here in his debut for new connections. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-8. Doubles: 1-2-5-8 with 3-5-6-7. Pick 3: 1-2-5-8 with 3-5-6-7 with 2-3-5-8.

6th race – (5) Golden Curl (C) was bet down from 4-1 to 5-2 and responded with a sharp victory. Can make it two in a row today. (7) Carpe Vinum has been racing in stakes and looks like the main rival. (6) Naughty Joker will be dangerous if there’s no rust from not racing since February. (3) Sea Dream makes her 2020 debut but will be a contender if ready. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-7. Doubles: 3-5-6-7 with 2-3-5-8.

7th race – (3) Union Maiden returns to Kentucky after a good effort in New York and can work out a winning trip in this spot. (5) Storie Blue was third in her last two starts and can take a step forward here. (8) Never Forget was third in a Grade 2 stakes and belongs in the exotics. (2) O Seraphina has been away since February but seems ready for a nice comeback race. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-8.