Churchill Downs Hot List - May 23, 2021

 Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Sunday, May 23, 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 – (1) Spanish Idol put in a quick work for this and should be hard to catch from the rail. (7) Expect the Boss seems ready for a solid effort against these. (3) Bodacious Baby may benefit from her debut. (4) Butterbean should be a factor in this spot. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-7.

3rd race – (2) Artie’s Rumor (B) was hurt by a wide trip last time and should blossom here while dropping in class. (6) Jumper exits a stakes and should bounce back while switching to turf and dropping in class. (5) Peekacho will welcome a return to turf. (3) Big Beautiful Wall was claimed by Morey and could turn in a better effort on turf. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-6. 

5th race – (3) Augusta Melody (B) was a solid second in his first try for Maker and should prove best here. (7) Extreme Force was a game third at this level and should be the main rival. (8) A C Expressway figures to thrive at this level. (5) Pirate Rick will be better suited by dirt. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-7-8. 

7th race – (8) The Tabulator is in sharp form, finishing no worse than third in his last seven starts. That consistency should propel him into the winner’s circle here. (5) Town Champ has been working sharply and may perk up here. (7) Senor Jobim disappointed last time but seems better than that try. (3) Final Jeopardy will be a factor in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-7-8.

9th race – (6) Hay Dakota rallied belatedly for fifth last time and should work out a winning trip here. (8) Salvator Mundi may benefit from the addition of blinkers. (7) Kentucky Ghost missed by a nose and cannot be ignored against this group. (3) Silenced could be hard to catch in this spot. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-8.