Churchill Downs Hotlist - June 8

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Wednesday, June 8, 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.

1st race –  (1) Undalay (A) was second in his first try on dirt and should graduate here. (4) Three Zero didn’t fire in his debut but can fare better with Santana. (6) Midnight Dreaming is a firster from Amoss who should be a contender. (7) Mardukas may also be ready for a sharp try in his debut.  Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4. Exactas: 1-4 over 6-7 and 6-7 over 1-4.

3rd race – (6) Moon Over Tuscany can work out a winning trip from the outside post. (2) Risata was a good second last time and should not be overlooked. (1) J Zertz will be a main factor from the rail. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6.

5th race – (3) Gagetown looks best in this field of claimers despite a layoff. (4) Emerald Express was second at this level and will be the main threat. (5) Santa Cruiser didn’t fire last time but can rebound here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5.

7th race – (4) Afjan switches over to Maker and seems on edge for a big effort. (3) Jonas’ Dream is worth a look off the Sharp claim. (2) General Strike was second last time and fits in nicely here. (8) Hippodrome appears ready for a better showing. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-8. Doubles: 2-3-4-8 with 2-3-4-8.

8th race – (8) Dreamful has a nice turn of speed and could lead throughout. (2) Hatari had some issues last time and could be closer today. (3) Off We Go can make her presence felt here. (4) Viburnum was a good second last time and should be in the picture in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-8.