Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 14

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Saturday, May 14, 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 –  (5) American Hero was third in a claimer and looks best in this starter allowance test. The (1) entry of Cole Spur and Bureau should be the main competition. (2) Summer in Malibu will benefit from a cutback to a sprint. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5.

3rd race – (2) Apache Tears (B) had traffic issues late when second last time and can make amends here. (3) Carmelito should be more competitive on turf. (7) Lesson Learned flopped in his U.S. debut but can rebound here. (1) Purple Dream could be a factor from the rail. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-7.

7th race – (7) Arrobatic debuts on turf for Chad Brown and merits close attention. (2) Red Hot Mama will welcome an inside post and a return to turf. (1) Walkathon exits a nice maiden win and should be a factor. (8) Glenall will appreciate the class relief after running in a graded stakes. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-8.

9th race – (5) Twilight Gleaming seems fast enough to handle this field in gate-to-wire fashion. (2) Mystic Eyes looks like the most dangerous rival. (12) Street Tapper should get some consideration despite the layoff. (4) Boxing Day could land a knockout punch here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-12

11th race – (8) Porouni (D) was bet down from 8-1 to 5-1 and tired badly after a couple of good efforts. Could perk up with a better try here. (3) Beachfront Bid has a nice closing kick and is the one to fear. (4) Chiromante is a firster from a hot barn who deserves respect. (5) My Lily Mae should be closing fast in the stretch. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-8.