Churchill Downs Hotlist - April 24

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Saturday, April 24, 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 – (4) Big Union cuts back to a sprint and should thrive here in a claimer. (3) Citi Charm returns to a claimer and could be a main threat. (1) Mahomes Money will be a factor from the rail. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4.

3rd race – (3) Big Bella Brown steps up off a claim where he was hurt by a wide trip. Will be a main threat off his best try. (5) Relentless Dancer descends into a claimer and will enjoy the class relief. (4) Land Battle fits in well with this bunch. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5.

6th race – (3) Extreme Force was a game maiden winner last time and looks best in her first start against winners. (1) Convection drew off to win his debut impressively and looks like the one to fear. (6) Rye Humor will be a factor in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6. Doubles: 1-3-6 with 1-2-4-9.

7th race – (1) Attorney Tim was hurt by a wide trip last time and can make amends with a rail trip. (4) Fortuity has a nice turn of late speed and could be the one to fear. (2) Gagoots returns to turf and should perk up here. (9) Bullseye Bun has enough speed that should make him tough to catch. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-9.

9th race – (8) Cowan makes his first start since running for $1 million in Dubai. He should be able to handle this field. (5) Unitedandresolute was an even third in a stakes and should be the main rival. (2) Next figures to perk up back on turf. (3) Field Day has never been worse than third in six career starts and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-8.