Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 15

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Sunday, May 15, 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) J Zertz returns to a claimer and looks best in this spot. (4) Kiss Me Smile won impressively last time and should be the main rival. (2) Cairo Driver can land a share of the purse. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5. Doubles: 2-4-5 with 1-6-9-10.

2nd race – (9) Sosua Summer tired in a stakes and finished fourth. May not be caught here. (10) Chasing the Crown is improving and will be a main threat here. (6) Corrente de Ouro may like the added distance. (1) Faith Runner will benefit from a rail trip.  Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-9-10.

5th race – (13) Her World (C) dropped from 3-2 to 6-5 and finished a close third after an 8-month layoff. Should be poised for a win here if she can draw into the field. (5) Cruz Bay missed by a head and is the one to fear. (8) Only Kidding was second in her last three tries and belongs in the exotics. (7) Bout Time should not be ignored off two solid starts on turf. Betting strategy: 13 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7-8-13.

7th race – (3) Kitodan seeks a fourth straight win and is well-spotted here. (1) St Andrews looks like the one to catch in this field. Has an entrymate in Brooklyn Diamonds who is a main track only starter. (7) Play Action Pass should be a stretch threat here. (8) Double Clutch exits a sharp maiden and merits consideration.  Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-7-8.

9th race – (1) Spare Cash seems ready to graduate from the maiden ranks after three straight second=place finishes. (5) Spring Magic stepped up with a third-place finish last time and will be a top contender. (6) Macadamia should benefit from a switch to Talamo. (11) Elle of the Ball will appreciate a return to turf. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-11.