Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 22

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, May 22, 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.

2nd race – (7) Oro de Tejano was a game second in his last try in a starter allowance and should prevail here for Diodoro, who seems to be carrying over his hot hand from Oaklawn. (8) Trashtalkinyankee was second against similar company at Oaklawn and should push the top pick. (1) Martial Eagle will benefit from a switch to dirt. (2) Galindo has been freshened for this spot. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-8.

6th race - (5) Changing Lanes was second in all three of his starts and should earn a maiden win against these. (6) Tactician drops in class while searching for a winning level. (9) Fantastry is a threat while returning to the main track. (10) Seven and Seven faces weaker and could have this field’s number. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-9-10. Doubles: 5-6-9-10 with 4-5-7-11. Pick 3: 5-6-9-10 with 4-5-7-11 with 5-6-7-11.

7th race - (11) Fig Jelly makes his first start for Cox after leaving the Servis barn and has put in solid works for his return. (4) Riverboat Gambler won impressively on synthetics but can also handle turf. (7) Frosted Ice might appreciate a switch to turf. (5) Chewing Gum should perk up on turf. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-7-11. Doubles: 4-5-7-11 with 5-6-7-11.

8th race – (5) Center Aisle (A) was an impressive debut winner for Chad and gets the nod here. (6) Casual was also a smart debut winner and should be the one to fear. (7) Nayibeth is back on dirt where she broke her maiden. (11) Shadilee could be posed for a good effort in her 2020 debut. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-7-11.

10th race – (10) Forty Nine Model returns to the main track where her last two starts were easy wins. (7) Fully Aware should be a major contender in a claimer. (8) Duplicitous should be more competitive in a claimer. (12) Just Fly seems poised for a strong showing after a layoff. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place.  Exacta box: 7-8-10-12.