Churchill Downs Hotlist - June 18

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, June 18, 2020

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 – (4) War Film rallied to finish a game second last time after a lengthy layoff. Should benefit from that start and pick up a victory here. (6) Cashanova was fourth behind the top pick and should be a factor here. (8) Jumper has not raced since a weak effort in December but is working nicely for his comeback try. (7) Believeinholidays is coming off a string of good efforts at Fair Grounds and merits respect here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-7-8.

4th race - (8) Patty H has put in some quick works for her debut and deserves top billing here. (7) Mad Maddy was second in her debut and could improve off that effort. (5) Puye Timing looks like she could be a promising runner. (6) Zebra Cake could also be a factor in her career debut. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-7-8.

6th race - (5) Letmeno (D) took a big drop from 8-1 to 5-2 but never fired. Deserves a second chance here. (2) Angelus Warrior was second in his 2020 debut and could move forward off that race. (4) Juggernaut might appreciate a switch to turf. (7) Acre has a nice pedigree for turf. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-7.

8th race – (1) Get the Prize (C) dropped from 5-2 to 8-5 then was forced to rally seven wide while closing fast for second. Should work out a winning trip from the rail. (2) Father G fits in nicely while making his 2020 debut. (7) Hidden Talent has some ability that may come to the fore in this spot. (3) Tank Commander will be dangerous if there’s no rust after a six-month layoff. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-7. Doubles: 1-2-3-7 with 1-2-7-10.

9th race – (7) Penalty tried in vain to close on a speed-favoring course at Gulfstream Park but should find Churchill Downs more to his liking. (1) Vanbrugh merits attention in his U.S. debut. (10) Midnight Tea Time has been racing in stakes and will welcome some class relief here. (2) Dontblamerocket will be a major threat on his best try. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-2-7-10.