Churchill Downs Hot List - May 16, 2021

 Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Sunday, May 16, 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.

2nd race – (8) Boss Is a Pal (B) had a useful debut and should take a step forward while dropping into a claimer while switching to Gaffalione. (6) Ames Mister was competitive at this level at Fair Grounds and merits attention. (4) Of the Moment might improve with Lasix. (2) Western Pharoah might take to turf. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-8.

4th race – (2) Perhaps rallied quickly for second in her debut and should graduate here. (4) Priddis was third at Oaklawn and should be the main rival. (5) Front Street may appreciate the cutback to seven furlongs. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5. Doubles: 2-4-5 with 2-3-9-12.

5th race – (3) Performing Arts might wake up on firm turf while adding Lasix. (12) Pregame was a close third in his last turf race but drew a rough post. (2) Fortified showed speed in his debut and may be tough to catch from an inside post. (9) Defied settled for second last time but can take a step forward here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-9-12.

8th race – (5) I Will Stand was a game Oaklawn winner and will be hard to deny off a similar effort. (9) Don’t Forget shapes up as the main rival. (3) Exulting seeks a third straight win and will be dangerous in this spot. (6) Gigging was third in his last two starts and should be in the picture once again. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-9. Doubles: 3-5-6-9 with 4-6-10-12.

9th race – (10) El Kabong was an improved third in his second start and seems poised for a winning effort. (4) Emphasize should thrive while switching to turf. (6) Our Integrity has been working quickly since faltering in his debut. Look for a better effort here. (12) Tariff War debuts for Chad and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-10-12.

For more information on the Hot List, email questions to [email protected] or follow the Hot List on Twitter at @nyhotlist. Contact [email protected] for more information.