Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 21

 Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Saturday, May 21, 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) Naval Aviator should be more effective in a claimer. (5) Notable Exception rallied for second and will be a stretch threat. (1) Tonal Impact will make his presence felt off the Sharp claim. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5.

3rd race – (1) Pine Knoll was hurt by a wide trip but can make amends with a rail trip. (5) Whiskey Double merits attention in his debut for Maker. (2) Street Ready tired late last time but could be tougher  here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5.

5th race – (2) Hazy Command (B) missed by a neck at Keeneland but should hang on in this field. (6) Miner’s Queen could be hard to catch here. (5) Bombdiggity had a rough start last time but can bounce back to top form here. (7) Pathetique will welcome a return to dirt. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6. Exactas: 2-6 with 5-7 and 5-7 with 2-6.

9th race – (4) Pancake House should be able to serve up a win here after a good second in his previous try. (5) Creative Miracle was second last time but has been away since August. (7) Thought may perk up on turf. (11) Deep State will be dangerous despite the post. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-7-11.

11th race – (10) Shamrocket had a rough trip last time in a Tampa stakes and can prove best here. (12) Highest Honors rallied belatedly but can be contender with a earlier move. (1) Bama Breeze will appreciate a rail trip at this distance. (2) Cavalry Charge didn’t fire in a Grade 1 stakes but fits better here. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-10-12.