Churchill Downs Hotlist - June 24

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

2nd race – (10) Deemed Essential was third in both tries in a claimer and should get the job here today. (4) Bizzy Echo could be a threat while tackling claimers. (11) Toccata is a  firster who could be a main factor. (3) Twentytwenty Hoax might wake up in this spot. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-10-11. Doubles: 3-4-10-11 with 1-3-5-7.

3rd race – (5) Absam (A) had a wide, bumpy trip when fourth last time and should work out a winning trip in this spot. (7) Actuary makes his U.S. debut and could be a threat here. (1) Courageously was a sharp maiden winner and deserves a good look. (3) Tulfarris has been competitive in his three US starts and should be a contender. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-7.

5th race – (10) Cryo (B) had a wide trip last time and had that compounded by traffic issues. Drops into a claimer and should prove best here. (5) Road Bible might be better suited by two turns at this level. (3) Hornswoggle may improve with the addition of blinkers. (9) Rebopper adds blinkers and Lasix and could be formidable in this spot. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-9-10.

7th race – (9) Skinny Dip is in sharp form with a second and two wins in her last three starts and seems best here. (2) Reagan’s Edge is a stakes class runner making her 2021 debut and should be the main threat. (5) Carribean Caper is 2-for-2 and cannot be overlooked. (1) Regal Retort should be a threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-9. Exactas: 1-2-5-9 with 1-2-7-10.

8th race – (2) Texas Shuffle (B) had some trouble while rallying for third in her debut and deserves a second chance here. (10) Dancefortheempire was fractious at the gate and didn’t fire. Could rebound here. (7) Mulsanne was third in her last two starts and will be a big threat in the final furlong. (1) My Sweet Story will be aided by a ground-saving trip from the rail. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-10.