Kentucky Downs Hotlist - September 9

Today’s Kentucky Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, Sept. 9, 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.

1st race – (6) Country Time drops into a claimer for the first time and should emerge victorious with Rosario aboard. (7) Code Name Lise was claimed by Maker out of a dull debut and should fare better here at a longer distance. (1) Point Wild also tackles claimers for the first time and merits consideration. She runs in an entry with first-time turfer Hot Anna. (3) Yaba Daba Diva deserves a look here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-7.

3rd race – (6) Big Agenda has been away since January but exits a second in a stakes and looks like the one to beat. (7) Charles Chrome was third in a stakes and can be a factor here. (2) Artemus Citylimits seeks a third straight win and should not be overlooked. (4) Spectacular Gem will be a force here if he  can return to top form.  Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-7.

5th race – (5) Buy Me Candy missed by a nose last time in a sharp effort and gets the nod in a competitive field. (11) Eamonn might wake up with a big effort today. (2) Rhythm Section has been no worse than third in his last four starts and belongs in the exotics. (7) Decision Maker fits in nicely with this group. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-7-11. Doubles: 2-5-7-11 with 3-8-9-11.

6th race – (11) Uyuni comes off a narrow maiden win and can make it two in a row in this spot. (3) Reinecke had a troubled, wide trip last time and can rebound here. (8) Commanders Palace is working sharply for this race and bears watching. (9) Texas Shuffle could be tough to catch from the outside post. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-8-9-11.

8th race – (7) The Connector has a nice late kick and should relish the added distance. (5) Ash Flat tries turf for the first time but just might relish it. (2) Mystery Messenger is highly consistent and cannot be ignored. (4) Shiraz had a tough trip and can bounce back to top form with Irad aboard. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-7.