Churchill Downs Hotlist - June 28

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Sunday, June 28, 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 – (4) Jo Marie (B) fell back after a troubled start and then closed at the end to finish second. Was claimed by Sharp out of that race and can be dangerous here. (6) Miss Important tries claimers and worked quickly for this start. Could be the main threat. (1) Hashtag Winner may appreciate the turf to dirt switch. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6. Doubles 1-4-6 with 1-2-4-10.

2nd race - (2) Joy’s Rocket is a firster from Asmussen who seems poised to add to the trainer’s win total at the meet. (4) Rock Out is worth a look in her debut. (1) Dream Quist could be a threat from the rail. (10) Trip to Seoul showed speed in her debut and might be tough to catch. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-10.

6th race - (7) Limnery turned in a string of strong efforts at Oaklawn and looks best here. The (1) entry of Cardiac Kitten and Artemus Citylimits could pose the biggest threat to the top choice. (11) Baby Karats could contend from an outside post. (10) Lonely Private should pose a threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7-10-11. Doubles: 1-7-10-11 with 1-2-3-7.

7th race – (2) Gun It made a move to gain the lead in the stretch but couldn’t hold on. Could work out a winning trip with Santana. (7) Signalman shapes up as the one to fear. (1) Top Seed was a game second last time for Shug and cannot be ignored. (3) Franknjymme could put Shug’s son, Reeve, in the superfecta with his dad. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-7.

9th race – (4) Golden Star Lady has the speed and pedigree to handle the assignment in this mile turf test for Ward. (7) I Hear You had a useful debut at Laurel and should be a threat here. (11) East of Eden deserves a long look in her U.S. debut. (5) Golden Loch had a troubled start but then closed nicely and merits attention here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place.  Exacta box: 4-5-7-11.