Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 12

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, May 12, 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 –  (8) Jeremy’s Jet put in a quick gate work for his debut and may lead throughout from the outside post. (2) Sergeant Countzler was third in his debut and should be the main threat. (3) Drew’s Gold is another firster who is working fast for his debut. (6) Top of My Game was also third last time and should be in the picture. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-8.

3rd race – (1) Drena’s Star returns to a claimer and should prove best in this field. (5) Impressed is back from a layoff and is worth a look here. (6) Quick Return drops off a neck win and cannot be dismissed here. (4) Soaring Bird should fit in well with this field. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5. Exactas: 1-5 over 4-6 and 4-6 over 1-5.

5th race – (2) Kygo drops into a claimer and seems ready for an improved effort. (8) Second of July should perk up back on turf in a claimer. (10) Fed Money might be more effective in a claimer. (5) Grey Streak could be a threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-8-10.

7th race – (8) Macallan (B) didn’t fire on a wet track. Should be better off on a dry surface.  (1) Greatheart comes off a big win and looks like the main rival. (6) Brigadier General has enough speed to be dangerous here. (3) Koolhaus was a game second last time and cannot be overlooked. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-8. Doubles: 1-3-6-8 with 4-6-7-10.

8th race – (6) Dreamful was second or third in her last five starts and seems overdue for a win. (7) Youens comes off three close losses and should be the one to fear. (10) Off We Go might bounce back with a big effort here. (4) Hatari was second last time and should welcome the added distance. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-7-10.