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Keeneland Select

Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 20

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 4th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

1st race – (3) Shes a Secret was a distant second at this level but seems best here. (1) Tamara’s Way should welcome a return to a claimer. (5) Oath of Allegiance drops in class and fits nicely here. (4) Social Mandate adds blinkers and is worth a look. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-5.

3rd race – (1) Treaty has speed from the rail and will be tough to catch here. (7) Sant’ Antimo seeks a third straight win and should be a main contender. (6) Master Game was second in his last two starts and should be in the picture once again. (2) Long Crow should be a factor in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-7.

5th race – (10) Stormquist drops into a claimer and looks best in this field. (6) Waldrip is working nicely for his career debut. (1) Notorious Sixohtwo may wake up in a claimer. (5) East from West has showed some speed while training for his debut.  Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-10.

7th race – (1) Coppola missed by a head at Saratoga and makes amends here. (6) Kavod could perk up on turf. (5) Bodenheimer has speed and could be tough to catch. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-5-6. Doubles: 1-5-6 with 2-3-5-9.

8th race – (2) Elite Forces is undefeated in two starts and can make it three straight here. (5) Giant Mischief exits stakes company and should be the main rival. (9) Retained has been no worse than third in his last four starts and belongs in the exotics. (3) Blue Light returns to a sprint and should be a top contender. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-9.