Churchill Downs Hotlist - June 26

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Sunday, June 26, 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.

2nd race –  (1) Rungius debuts for Asmussen and seems ready for a big effort. (8) Jeremy’s Jet could be a threat at a shorter distance. (6) Musical Maestro is another firster from Asmussen who could be talented. (2) Mataro was a distant second last time but should not be overlooked here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-8.

4th race – (9) Enough Already (B) never fired during a troubled trip on turf. Gets back on dirt and should revert to top form. (6) Beyblader deserves consideration off the Hartman claim. The (1) entry of Strong Light and Faith Runner forms a potent duo. (7) Perfect Flight merits attention while facing claimers. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-7-9. Doubles: 1-6-7-9 with 3-4-5-7.

5th race – (7) Nakatomi has not raced since October but has been training sharply for Ward and gets top billing. (4) Swiftsure makes his first start since switching to Brisset and could have a say in the outcome. (5) Wild Popit could be a threat despite the layoff. (3) Higher Standard will appreciate the switch to dirt. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-7. Exactas: 4-7 over 3-5 and 3-5 over 4-7.

7th race – (5) Clear the Deck (A) broke slowly then closed nicely for third. Should work out a winning trip here. (2) Missin Curfew put in a quick gate work for his debut. (3) Cravens seems on edge for a solid effort in his debut. (9) Doc Ballard moves over to Joseph’s barn and may turn in an improved try. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-9.

9^th race – (3) Hot Rumor is working quickly for her debut and can win at first asking for Cox. (5) Saint Eros Girl missed by a head in a claimer and will be formidable here. (4) Course Runner can be a factor in her first race. (1) Dorothea has been away since last summer but has turned in promising works. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-5.