Kentucky Downs Hotlist - September 12

Today’s Kentucky Downs Hot List races to watch
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020

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.

1st race – (4) Keep Your Distance was claimed by Diodoro for $25,000 out of a Saratoga dirt race. He’s done well on turf in the past and could be a major player here. (7) Trip the Queen makes her 2020 debut while moving back to turf and is worth a look. (6) Heaven Escape should be gaining ground in the stretch. (3) French Rose was second in her last two tries and deserves consideration here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-7. Doubles: 3-4-6-7 with 1-3-4-8.

2nd race - (4) Summer Palace was third and second in his two 2020 starts after a lengthy layoff. Third time should be the charm. (8) Casanova Kitten ran into traffic issues last time but should bounce back with a clean trip. The (1) entry of Briefcase Bully and Rochambeau will be dangerous. (3) Glynn County didn’t fire last time but might wake up here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-8.

4th race – (10) Bold Article gets a second chance on turf and might respond with a big effort. (9) Golden Voice showed a nice turn of speed last time and could take another step forward here. (7) Magic Solution rallied belatedly while racing wide and should be tougher here. (6) One Fast Orb could be tough to reel in. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-7-9-10.

7th race – (6) Regal Glory was a competitive fourth in a Grade 1 stakes and seems to have a class edge over these. (7) Lady Apple might perk up on turf. (1) Mitchell Road didn’t care for soft turf and will be a main factor on firm ground. (3) Tapit Today rarely turns in a bad effort and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-7.

10th race – (10) Zulu Alpha is in outstanding form and should be able to handle this group. (3) Grand Journey was fourth after a stumbling start and figures to be a contender with a smooth trip. (5) Arklow finished second and first in this stakes the last two years and should be in the picture once again. (6) Postulation will thrive at this distance. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-10.