Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 20

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, May 20, 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 –  (7) Cowichan is a firster from Ward who looks best in this spot. (1) Realitos debuts for Asmussen and deserves respect. (6) Grand Oak was second in her debut and will be a threat here. (3) Dominicana might wake up for Ward here. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7. Exactas: 1-7 with 3-6 and 3-6 with 1-7. Doubles: 1-3-6-7 with 1-6-7-8.

2nd race – (7) Tivy is training sharply for his debut for Asmussen and merits top billing. (6) Late September can move forward off a fourth in his debut. (8) Easy Big Boy is another firster who seems to have some talent. The (1) entry of Jeremy’s Jet and You Choose Wisely is also worth a look. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-7-8.

6th race – (5) Hill of Gold (B) was a troubled third in his career debut and Can make amends here. (8) Best Bet was second or third in his last three starts and should be the main rival. (9) Bluegrass Royale could be a factor in his debut. (10) Sea Force may find smooth sailing in his debut for Asmussen. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-8-9-10.

8th race – (6) Monition set the pace and led most of the way before finishing a close third. (9) Haig Point chases a third straight win and looks like the one to fear. (12) Ocean Atlantique fits better here. (1) Continental Coins was hurt by a wide trip and should welcome breaking from the rail. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-9-12. Doubles: 1-6-9-12 with 2-4-6-7.

9th race – (6) Open Road is training sharply for his career debut and may be hard to catch. (4) Predominate is another firster who may have some ability. (7) York Tavern is eligible to win at first asking. (2) Plausible Denile may be better suited by a little more distance. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-7.