Keeneland Hotlist - October 7

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 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.

1st race – (6) Obsessed stretched out to two turns and was an improved second. Should lead from start to finish here. (2) Airstreem flattened out as the favorite but could rebound here. (3) Twenty Twice was second last time and will be a main factor. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6.

3rd race - (5) Tide of the Sea has a nice turn of speed and can handle an extended distance of ground. Looks like it will be hard to catch him. (7) Current has graded stakes experience and should be the one to fear. (8) Bourbon in May seeks a fourth straight win and cannot be ignored. (1) Rijeka will be a major threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-7-8.

5th race – (3) Mantra (B) was bumped at the start and then was forced to rally wide while finishing fourth. Can take a big step forward with a smooth trip. (9) Spanish Kingdom ran on the front end while finishing third last time. Look for a better showing if he rates like he did in his best efforts. (11) Midnight Jostar will be dangerous in his second try against winners. (2) Mud Pie won easily against maidens and should fit in nicely here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-9-11. Doubles: 2-3-9-11 with 1-2-6-7. Pick 3: 2-3-9-11 with 1-2-6-7 with 1-3-7-10.

6th race – (1) Queen Nekia exits a sharp stakes win and looks best in this spot. (2) Cedar Hall makes her debut for Casse after a claim and is worth a look here. (7) Centerfold Angel will welcome a return to the main track. (6) La Femme Royale has enough speed to be a top contender. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2. Exactas: 1-2 over 6-7 and 6-7 over 1-2. Doubles: 1-2-6-7 with 1-3-7-10.

7th race – (1) Batyah closed with a rush to win her debut and seems to have a bright future. (10) Spanish Loveaffair won her two starts in Florida and should pish the top choice. (7) Aunt Pearl was a sharp front-running debut winner and will be hard to handle. (3) Taylor’s Tourist will be well-suited by the added distance. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-7-10.