Keeneland Hotlist - October 22

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Thursday, Oct. 22, 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 – (6) Obsessed missed by a nose last time on dirt. Makes his turf debut here and seems well-bred for it. (1) Summer Palace was an improved second and should be the main rival. (4) Alexander Hamilton was second in his last two starts and belongs in the exotics. (7) Beachwalker could be a threat in the final furlongs. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-7.

5th race - (7) Princess Trina (B) was checked on the backstretch and then lacked some room, but still managed to miss by only a neck. Should make amends here. (8) Keep Your Distance might benefit from the cutback to six furlongs. (9) Shackleford County won easily last time and will be a big factor here in her first start for new connections. (6)  Tee Em Eye is worth a look switching from turf to dirt. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-7-8-9. Doubles: 6-7-8-9 with 1-7-8-11.

6th race – (1) Artie’s Rumor (A) closed fast and just missed last time. He heads an entry with On a Spree. (11) By Your Side was a solid second last team and should be the one to fear. (7) Current might wake up at a shorter distance. (8) Sabador could be tough to catch in this spot. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7-8-11.

8th race – (3) Blackberry Wine has been absent since strong showings in the spring and seems ready for a big effort today. (8) Iadanza was a solid front-running winner and seems to  fit in nicely with this group. (9) Julius has a nice turn of speed and could be tough to reel in. (2) Silver State is training forwardly after a seven-month layoff and should not be ignored. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-8-9. Doubles: 2-3-8-9 with 1-7-9-11.

9th race – (1) Ethical Judgement (A) closed fast in his debut despite a slow pace and should register a victory from the rail. (7) Wentru got to the front in mid-stretch in his debut but weakened a bit and settled for third. Figures to be a major factor here. (9) Burrow is worth a long look in his career debut. (11)  American Patrol is bred to be a solid turf runner. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7-9-11.