Keeneland Hotlist - October 7

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Friday, Oct. 7, 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 – (2) Misread returns to action after some promising efforts in the spring and looks best here. (3) Magical Act is a firster from Cox who should be a threat. (7) Scripps is a Brisset firster who seems talented. (8) Seabrook is another firster who seems to have some ability. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-8. Doubles: 2-3-7-8 with 1-3-4-7.

3rd race – (7) Key of Life (C) was bet down from even money to 3-5 and posted a maiden victory. Can beat winners here. (3) Looking for Hope was an impressive winner at Gulfstream and should be the main threat. (1) Crackalacking might appreciate the shorter distance here. (4) Twice as Sweet will appreciate a return to dirt. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-7.

7th race – (5) Sibelius exits two impressive wins and can make it three in a row here. (8) Long Range Toddy might wake up in this spot. (6) Necker Island will be a big threat in the final furlong. (1) Sir Alfred James should benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-8. Doubles: 1-5-6-8 with 6-9-12-13. Pick 3: 1-5-6-8 with 6-9-12-13 with 2-4-7-9.

8th race – (6) Happy Gal was disqualified from second last time at Kentucky Downs but can bounce back here with a smooth trip. (12) Towhead fits in nicely here but drew a tough post. (9) Recognize has speed and could be tough to catch here. (13) Tax Implications can be a factor here if she escapes the also-eligible list. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-9-12-13. Doubles: 6-9-12-13 with 2-4-7-9.

9th race – (4) Raging Sea was a game debut winner for Brown and has the breeding that says she will handle two turns. (9) Fun and Feisty was a stakes winner at Churchill Downs and should be the one to fear. (7) Essaouira broke her maiden around two turns and figures to  be a top contender. (2) Chop Chop won her two starts on turf and judging by her works should handle dirt as well. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-7-9.