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Keeneland Select

Gulfstream Park Hotlist - January 21

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 – (6) Country Jewel (B)had a rough trip last time while racing wide. Deserves a second chance here while adding blinkers and dropping in class. (10) Never Been Wrong could be a factor in her belated career debut. (1) Ave Fenix might respond to the switch to turf. (12) Ria Formosa may pose a threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-10-12.

3rd race – (5) Scramble was no worse than third in his three career starts and seems poised to post a maiden win. (1) Battlefield Park may perk up on turf. (4) Santorini lost by a neck on synthetics and should be able to handle turf. (8) Jeby rallied for second in his first try on turf and should not be ignored. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-8.

5th race – (5) She’s Mo Bubbly was an $825K purchase who finally makes her debut for Pletcher. Gets top billing here. (3) Sweet Curalina was third in her debut and can move forward in this spot. (1) Inviting should benefit from a rail trip. (6) Reaching Stride might perk up on dirt. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-6.

7th race – (9) El Socio (D) took a big drop from 7-1 to 7-2 then tired in the stretch. Might rebound with a class drop. (2) Ghostinyou faces weaker company and shapes up as the one to fear. (3) Royal Kitten could be a factor off the Walder claim. (8) Eyes of a Champion may be tough to catch in this spot. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-8-9.

9th race – (4) Paco’s Pico has been no worse than third in his last seven starts and seems best in this field. (7) Absolute Grit switches to Irad and should be the main competition. (3) Candy Man Rocket has been away for nearly a year but is training nicely for his comeback. (2) Living Water will be dangerous if he can duplicate his last effort. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-7. Exactas 4-7 over 2-3 and 2-3 over 4-7.

No.Letter/Last raceToday’s race  Comment     
(6)Country JewelB, 1/41 GPComes off a rough trip last time     
(9)El SocioD, 1/47 GPMight wake up in this field