Keeneland Select Derby Prep Hotlist - January 22

The New York Hot List Kentucky Derby preps picks
Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022

By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman

The $200,000 Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, Race 14

14th race – (3) Pappacap was given a brief rest after finishing second to likely 2-year-old champion Corniche in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He turned in a game performance that day, finishing less than two lengths behind the winner. Trainer Mark Casse has used this race effectively in the past, winning two of the last three runnings, and it looks like he has an excellent chance to make it 3 wins in 4 years. (5) Epicenter romped in a prep for this race last month in very good time. An encore of that effort will make him the main threat in this field. (4) Trafalgar has received nice seasoning through allowance and maiden wins and has gotten better in each start. Definitely belongs in the exotics. (6) Cyberknife is coming off a solid maiden and with Cox’s barn off to a hot start at the meet, he cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-6. Trifectas: 3-4-5 with 3-4-5-6 with 3-4-5-6-8.