Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 17

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Sunday, May 17, 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 – (11) P R Radio Star returns to a claimer and should prevail if he can revert to top form. (2) Blinded Vision has a nice turn of speed and could be dangerous here. (7) Feel the Bern drops into a claimer and will be a main threat. (8) Codetowin looks formidable in a claimer. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-7-8-11. Doubles: 2-7-8-11 with 2-8-11-13.

4th race – (8) Three Flamingos (B) was checked while starting to move and never recovered. Deserves a second chance here. (2) Well Respected was an improving second while trying two turns for the first time and stands as the one to fear. (13) Flying the Colors returned from a lengthy layoff and finished second. Will be a main threat if she scratches into the race. (11) Duopoly is an interesting first-time starter from Chad. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-8-11-13.

7th race – (4) Devious Charm (C) dropped from 13-1 to 9-1 and then closed nicely for second. Can make amends for that setback today. (5) Temple City Terror was hurt by a wide trip and deserves attention here. (9) Quiet Dignity makes her 2020 debut and first start for Cox. Can’t be overlooked. (8) Fierce Scarlett will be a threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-8-9.

9th race – (9) Toledo gets some class relief after tackling leading Kentucky Derby candidate Tiz the Law. Should prove best in this spot. (7) Wrecking Crew also exits stakes races and looks like the one to fear. (10) Art Collector won powerfully in his last start at two and should be a main contender here. (8) Olson perked up with a win in his second start and has been working sharply since then. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 7-8-9-10. Doubles: 7-8-9-10 with 1-7-8-11.

10th race – (1) Four Wheel Drive makes his 3-year-old debut and first start since winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Works say Ward has him ready for a strong effort. (11) Chimney Rock was second to the top pick at the Breeders’ Cup and will be dangerous on turf or dirt. (7) Bango comes off a stakes win on a synthetic course and should also handle turf. (8) Maven returns from a layoff for Ward and figures to be a contender. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-7-8-11.