Churchill Downs Hotlist - June 4

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, June 4, 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.

1st race – (1) Tizplenty (C) dropped from 4-5 to 1-2 then set the pace but tired late and wound up third. She should hang on here. (6) Lady Scarlet put in a bullet gate work and looks like the one to fear. (3) Meanwhileinleitrim seems ready for a strong effort in her debut. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6. Doubles: 1-3-6 with 2-4-5-7.

2nd race – (2) World of Fools is a firster from Ward who seems best in this spot. (7) Keen Mind was third at Indiana Grand in his debut and should be formidable in a claimer. (4) Creative Bid might perk up on a dry track. (5) Rome’s Burning also debuts for Ward and should not be overlooked. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-7. Exactas: 2-7 over 4-5 and 4-5 over 2-7.

4th race – (5) Code Duello was third at this level last time and seems on track for a winning effort. (2) Zippy Baby had a troubled trip last time and should be a main threat from the rail. The (1) entry of Optimus Kat and Blue Cat deserves a long look here. (4) Westward Look has speed and could be tough to catch in this spot. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5. Exactas: 2-5 over 1-4 and 1-4 over 2-5.

7th race – (5) Two Emmys was a good second in a Grade 2 stakes and deserves top billing here. (3) Hierarchy has been working bullets for his comeback and could be the main rival. (6) Frostmourne descends into a claimer and may respond with an improved effort. (8) Jais’s Solitude cuts back in distance and fits nicely here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-8.

9th race – (1) Spicy Marg has plenty of speed and should be tough to catch from the rail. (2) Girl Named Patsy looms a threat in the final furlong. (8) Joy of Painting was hurt by a wide trip last time and could rebound here. (3) Nayibeth might welcome a switch to turf. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-8.