Churchill Downs Hotlist - June 25

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, June 25, 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.

1st race – (2) Better With Age had a rough start and never fired against MSW rivals. Should thrive here with a drop into claimers and picking up Gaffalione. (1) Our Secret Agent could sneak into the picture here. (5) Gold Button put in some promising works for her debut. (4) Hands Up was second at this level last time and should be a contender once again. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2. Exactas: 1-2 over 4-5 and 4-5 over 1-2. Doubles: 1-2-4-5 with 1-2-6-7. Pick 3: 1-2-4-5 with 1-2-6-7 with 1-3-5-8.

2nd race - (6) Magine returns to a claimer, where she won by more than five lengths in her last try for a tag. Should prevail here. (7) West Bank Baby drops into a claimer and should be a main threat. (1) Gone Glimmering will be dangerous from the rail. (2) Persian Queen seems to fit in with these. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-7. Exactas: 6-7 over 1-2 and 1-2 over 6-7. Doubles: 1-2-6-7 with 1-3-5-8.

3rd race - (3) Diamondcoat (C) dropped from 5-2 to 9-5 and won easily on a wet track. Should be able to win off the claim by Kenneally while switching to turf. (8) Foxtail returns from a layoff at a reduced level but is dangerous on her best try. (5) Strollin the Bayou was third behind the top pick but should prefer turf. (1) Holly Go Lightly finds a spot that should suit her. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-8.

5th race – (7) Digital Star (C) was bet down from 8-5 to 6-5 and finished a distant second. Was claimed out of that effort and should be dangerous with this group. (3) Vinum is a firster from Moquett who could be ready for a big effort. (6) Bucky might welcome a class drop. (9) Zapper Van Winkle will be dangerous if he can shake off the rust after a long layoff. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-9.

8th race – (9) He Hate Me has been running in stakes company and seems highly likeable in this spot. (3) Mucho missed by a neck and looks like the one to fear. (6) Madison’s Luna has been working quickly for his 2020 debut and might pull off a surprise. (5) Absolutely Aiden has a nice turn of speed and could be tough to catch. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place.  Exacta box: 3-5-6-9.