Keeneland Hotlist - October 29

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Saturday, Oct. 29, 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.

2nd race – (8) Big Java was second last time and should be able to handle the class jump off the Lauer claim. (10) Surcharge broke her maiden easily and could be dangerous against winners. (7) Candy Kick is worth a look off the win and claim. (1) Bayshore Foxes may be tough to catch from the rail. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7-8-10.

4th race – (4) Braganza (A) won easily last time and can prevail once again in this field. (5) Feeling Happy also comes off a solid win and looks like the main rival. (1) Fine Family might wake up in this spot. (7) Olga Isabel was disqualified from a win last time and can make amends here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-7. Doubles: 1-4-5-7 with 2-3-10-12.

5th race – (2) General Jim posted a solid victory in his turf debut and seems ready for another big effort here. (3) Disdainful could be dangerous in his U.S. debut. (10) Mendel’s Secret was victorious in his career debut and cannot be overlooked. (12) Rarified Flair has some ability but drew a difficult post. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-10-12.

8th race – (5) Classic Causeway returns to 3-year-old company and should lead throughout here. (8) Wit seems to have found a new favored surface on turf. (6) Portfolio Company seems set for a top effort in his return to stakes company. (2) Balnikhov should be a major threat in the final furlong.  Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-8. Doubles: 2-5-6-8 with 1-4-6.

9th race – (4) First Captain has been facing the top older horses and has a class edge here. (6) Last Samurai will be dangerous on her best try. (1) West Will Power should benefit from a rail trip here.