Churchill Downs Hotlist - June 18

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, June 18, 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) Hazy Command has put in some quick gate works and may be ready to win at first asking. (3) Speedometer is another firster who should be a threat here. (1)  Verylittlecents could be aided by a rail trip in this spot. (6) Manasota Sunset rounds out the contenders in a race filled exclusively with firsters. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-8. Doubles: 1-3-6-8 with 1-2-7-8.

3rd race – (8) Slim Slow Slider debuts for Ward and seems ready for a big effort in his debut. (1) Reddington has been working out like a promising runner. (2) Tokamak cannot be ignored in his career debut. (7) Trebbiano was third and second in his last two starts and should be a contender here. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-8.

6th race – (9) Seven Kingdoms missed by a neck in her first start on turf and seems well-spotted here. (2) Lazy Summer Day had a troubled trip and finished third. Could improve with blinkers. (4) Time for Glory was second ahead of Lazy Summer Day and cannot be ignored here. (1) Bia Bolt Runner will be dangerous from the rail. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-9. Doubles: 1-2-4-9 with 1-4-5-7.

7th race – (1) Colonelsdarktemper (A) posted a huge victory last time and can handle these with a similar effort. (5) Hop Kat was third behind the top pick and can be closer today. (4) Shortlist exits a sharp win and will be a contender against this group. (7) Leader of Man was second in his last two starts and should be a factor here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-7.

9th race – (6) Cibolian missed by a neck last time and can make amends here. (4) News Break might enjoy the longer distance here. (7) Buy Me Candy was second at this distance last time and should be right there at the finish. (2) Huge Bigly should be able to make his presence felt here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-7.