Churchill Downs Hotlist - July 4

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Monday, July 4, 2022

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) Candy Tycoon was a game third last time and looks best. (5) Injunction comes off a solid victory and should not be ignored. (6) Keystone Field seems ready for another big try after a victorious effort. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6.

3rd race – (3) Cold as Hell should return fresh after a break and turn in a strong showing. (5) Nepotism was second in his last three starts and can complete the exacta again. (8) Mount Athos could rebound in this spot. (1) Perfect Cut should turn in a better effort without blinkers. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-8. Doubles: 1-3-5-8  with 2-4-5-8.

4th race – (4) Stunningly is a firster from Asmussen who could be a good one. (2) Callie’s Passion should also merit attention. (5) Brisbane Road cannot not be ignored while debuting for Amoss. (8) Naughty Gal may move forward off her debut. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-8.

8th race – (7) Cody’s Wish is a perfect 3-for-3 at Churchill Downs and can add a fourth win today. (6) Plainsman is highly consistent and is the one to fear. (1) Mish has speed from the rail and could be tough to catch. (3) Weyburn will be dangerous on his best try. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-7. Exactas 6-7 over 1-3 and 1-3 over 6-7. Doubles: 1-3-6-7 with 3-5-9-11.

9^th race – (9) Warrior Johny (C) dropped from 3-5 to 1-5 and won by a pole. Can make it two in row here. (3) Brigadier General looks like the one to catch in this field. (5) Gilded Age may shine in his return to the U.S. (11) Emirates Road may be due for a better effort. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-9-11.