Churchill Downs Hotlist - June 9

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, June 9, 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 –  (6) Top Recruit debuts for Maker and seems ready to win at first asking. (9) Kigali is another firster with potential. (12) Johannes could be hard to catch in his debut. (4) Fadethenoise is another firster from Maker who may have some talent. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-9-12.

4th race – (4) Mrs. Nushi returns to a claimer and looks best in this spot. (5) Rio Lady was second in her last four starts. Why not five? (8) Willamina cannot be ignored off the Diodoro claim. (2) Mejthaam was second last time and merits a look. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-8. Doubles: 2-4-5-8 with 5-8-9-12.

5th race – (3) Voliero was a game second on Tapeta and should welcome a return to turf. The (1) entry of Uninvited Guest and Stockpiler should be the main threat. (4) World Cruiser comes off a nose win in a maiden race and should be dangerous. (6) Fieldstone might improve with the addition of blinkers. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-8-9-12.

7th race – (7) Alejandro (C) was bet down from 3-1 to 2-1 and finished second. Can make amends for that loss here. (9) Macallan didn’t fire in slop. Should bounce back on a dry track. (2) Western River will appreciate the class relief after running in a stakes. (3) Curbstone could be tough to reel in here. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-9. Doubles: 2-3-7-9 with 5-7-9-10.

8th race – (7) Tiwanaku drops into a claimer after running second and looks like the one to beat. (10) Jedrek should be a big threat in the final furlong. (5) Wolfe County should be tougher in a claimer. (9) Strong Light steps up but has enough late speed to be a serious factor. Betting strategy: 7  to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7-9-10.