Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 19

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, May 19, 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 –  (3) Cadillac Candy (A) closed strongly for second in her debut and should prevail here. (7) Starstriker didn’t fire in her debut on dirt. She’s likely to improve on turf. (4) Seismic Spirit is a firster from Ward who deserves attention. (6) Roman Giant may hang on in this spot. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-7.

3rd race – (2) Let’s Be Clear should enjoy the class relief here after racing in a stakes. (5) Chi Town Lady also drops out of stakes company and should be the main rival. (3) Pinky Toe seeks a third straight win and will be a contender. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5. Doubles: 2-3-5 with 2-3-7-8.

4th race – (2) America’s Pride debuts for Cox and can prove best in this field. (7) M M M My Sharoana might be destined for a better try here. (8) Sweet Beauty drops and merits respect. (3) Jewelofakid was  second last time and deserves attention. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-8.

6th race – (5) Baby Quinn (C) dropped from 7-5 to even money and won nicely. Can triumph again off the claim. (3) Ferociously will appreciate the switch to dirt. (4) Blame George missed by a neck and is a main threat despite stepping up in class. (1) Belfast Boy will benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-5. Doubles: 1-3-4-5 with 3-4-6-10.

7th race – (4) Café Fleur got off to a slow start in her U.S. debut and should turn in a better try today. (3) Flatter Me Silly missed by a neck and is the one to fear. (6) Urban Fairytale should move forward off her comeback try last time. (10) Gladys may be tough to catch here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-10.