Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 16

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Saturday, May 16, 2020

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.

3rd race – (3) Louie’s Kingdom (C) was bet down from 6-5 to 4-5 and then set the pace before weakening in the final furlong and settling for second. Should hang on here. (1) Uncle Gregory might wake up with Rosario in the saddle. (4) He’s the Souperwon should be competitive at this level on dirt. (12) Jimmy At Last was competitive against similar at Oaklawn Park and should contend here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-12.

7th race - (5) Say Moi (A) was a strong second in her career debut for Mott and should reach the winner’s circle today. (1) Golden Star Lady tired from post 12 last time but put in a sharp work for this and should be tough for the rail. (11) Bernadette the Jet missed by a head at Laurel and will be a threat here. (10) Offering should improve off a mediocre debut for Asmussen. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-10-11. Doubles: 1-5-10-11 with 3-7-9-10. Pick 3: 1-5-10-11 with 3-7-9-10 with 1-2-6-11.

8th race - (9) Motagally makes his turf debut for Chad Brown and seems well-suited for it. (3) Mind the Gap has been prepping nicely for his 2020 debut and is worth a look. (7) Limnery has been no worse than third in his last three starts and belongs in the exotics. (10) Sea of Hope returns from a year’s layoff but is working sharply for his return. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-7-9-10. Doubles: 3-7-9-10 with 1-2-6-11.

9th race – (6) Sacred Oath makes his first start for Diodoro and deserves top billing here. (2) Adhar was hurt by a wide trip and should work out a better trip here. (11) Smile Bryan usually gets a piece of the purse and should be a threat here. (1) Patrol can make his presence felt from the rail. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-11.

11th race – (4) Karak was a top turf sprinter at two and will be tough to beat in this spot. (10) Fly So Pretty should be closing quickly in the final furlong. (11) Chili Petin could be hard to catch from an  outside post. (9) Bredenbury should welcome the turnback in distance. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place.  Exacta box: 4-9-10-11.