Keeneland Select Derby Prep Hotlist - January 23

The New York Hot List Kentucky Derby preps picks
Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021

By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman

The $150,000 Smarty Jones Stakes, Oaklawn Park

8th race – A visit to trainer Steve Asmussen’s friendly confines of Oaklawn Park should prove the medicine for (3) Cowan to cure him of his second-itis. If he can duplicate those efforts, his runner-up finishes in his last three starts were good enough to make him a stickout here. (7) Caddo River has come to hand for trainer Brad Cox after a big maiden win and looks like the one to fear. (5) Hardly Swayed won his last two starts and seems well-bred for a two-turn distance. (6) Moonlite Strike also seeks a third straight win after a pair of victories in Florida and will get tested for class around two turns here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta and trifecta box: 3-5-6-7.