Keeneland Hotlist - October 8

Today’s Keeneland Hot List races to watch
Friday, Oct. 8, 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 – (9) Rum ‘n Tonic (B) had a useful debut while racing wide at Kentucky Downs and can take a big step forward here. (8) Minnesota Ready seems ready for a big effort in his debut. (1) Steinbeck might script a different finish on turf. (11) Prayforpeace may appreciate the softer pace here. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-8-9-11.

6th race – (5) Halo of Fire has the breeding that indicates he should be well-suited by dirt. (6) Social Matrix is training sharply for her debut and may be the one to fear. (11) Thedevilyousay has some speed and could be better off on dirt. (1) Two for One may be on edge for a strong effort in her debut. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-11. Doubles: 1-5-6-11 with 4-5-7-10. Pick 3: 1-5-6-11 with 4-5-7-10 with 2-3-5-6.

7th race – (4) Kentucky Ghost (C) was bet down from 3-1 to 2-1 and rallied to finish second in a stakes. Makes amends for that setback here in this spot. (5) Dynadrive didn’t fire last time but can rebound in this field. (11) Americanus was a game winner in a sprint and is capable of stretching out here. (7) Cavalry Charge has won two of his last three and cannot be overlooked.  Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-7-11. Doubles: 4-5-7-11 with 2-3-5-6. Pick 3: 4-5-7-11 with 2-3-5-6 with 1-4-7-8.

8th race – The Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes - (6) Special Reserve was second in the Grade 1 Vanderbilt and looks best in this spot. (5) Aloha West seeks a third straight win and looks like the main rival. (2) Mucho has been first or second in his last three starts and belongs in the exotics. (3) Endorsed was hurt by a wide trip last time and could be formidable here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6. Exactas: 5-6 over 2-3 and 2-3 over 5-6. Doubles: 2-3-5-6 with 1-4-7-8.

9th race – The Darley Alcibiades Stakes - (4) Dream Lith showed little on a wet track but might rebound with an improved effort on a fast track. (7) Matareya has sharp early speed and may not look back here. (1) Juju’s Map should be a force from the rail. (8) Distinctlypossible may be a maiden but will be a big threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-7-8.