Kentucky Downs Hotlist - September 11

Today’s Kentucky Downs Hot List races to watch
Saturday, Sept. 11, 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.

4th race – (8) Cleat darted out to a long lead in his debut and then tired. He should benefit from that try and hang on today. (4) Invisible War raced well enough on synthetics to be a factor here. (6) Group Hug has enough of a late kick to be a factor here. (10) Mount Kenya was second last time and should be a factor here.  Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-8-10.

7th race – (2) Princess Grace has posted three straight graded stakes wins and will be tough to beat in this field. (9) Dalika weakened at a mile and a half but should fare much better in this spot. (3) Abscond has a strong late kick and cannot be ignored. (6) Shifty She looks like the one they will have to catch in the stretch. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-9. Doubles: 2-3-6-9 with 2-7-9-12. Pick 3: 2-3-6-9 with 2-7-9-12 with 3-5-8-11.

8th race – (12) Imprimis had some trouble last time and settled for fourth. The added distance should make the difference today. (7) Casa Creed did not fire at a mile but should be well-suited by this distance. (9) Got Stormy posted a big win at Saratoga and will be tough to beat if she can duplicate that effort. (2) Fast Boat has a strong late kick and figures to  be a threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 12 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-7-9-12. Doubles: 2-7-9-12 with 3-5-8-11.

9th race – (5) Arklow was hurt by a wide trip last time, but he likes this course and should rebound with a big effort here. (8) Ajourneytofreedom has plenty of experience at a marathon distance and should not be ignored. (11) Zulu Alpha will be dangerous on his best try. (3) Channel Cat could be dangerous if he gets away with a slow pace. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-8-11.

11th race – (10) Seal Beach was second and third in two starts and should handle a switch to turf. (6) Grael was a good third in his debut and should be the main rival. (9) Garmento deserves attention in his first start. (2) Baj was fourth in his first start and can move forward off that try. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-9-10.