Keeneland Hotlist - October 22

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Friday, Oct. 22, 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 – (5) Coastal Chaos was a game third and now drops to what should be a winning level for him. (3) Pinch Hitter debuts for Cox and seems ready for a big effort. (8) Bellinger was third last time and could hit a home run here. (6) Sargeant Barger may like a return to the main track. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-8.

4th race – (7) Suppressor has a sharp turn of speed and might enjoy the stretchout to two turns with softer fractions. (3) Sonic City returns from a long layoff but seems ready for a good showing. (2) Koufax may shutdown his rivals and earn a victory here. (4) Southerner may welcome the added distance. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-7. Exactas: 3-7 over 2-4 and 2-4 over 3-7.               Doubles: 2-3-4-7 with 1-3-5-8.                   

5th race – (5) Carmel Crush (B) has never been worse than third in three career starts and seems best here. (1) Cousteau may find smooth sailing to the winner’s circle from the rail. (8) Drive for Fun is training smartly for his career debut and should be main threat. (3) Here Mi Song can be a factor in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-8.

7th race – (10) Goodnight Olive was second in her career debut back in March and seems on edge for a big comeback effort. (11) Oscarette could have an impact in her career debut. (1) Encouraging is another firster from Asmussen who seems to have some potential. (7) Mun Luv seems long overdue for a maiden victory. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7-10-11. Doubles: 1-7-10-11 with 1-2-6-12.

8th race – The Sycamore Stakes - (1) Glynn County was a good third in his last two starts in graded stakes company and can work out a winning trip here from the rail. (12) Two Emmys won the Mister D (the old Arlington Million) but will face a challenge in the forms of more ground and a bad post. (2) Ajourneytofreedom has the kind of late speed to be dangerous in the stretch. (6) Spooky Channel should also be well-suited by the distance. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-12.