Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 22

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Saturday, May 22, 2021

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 – (1) Rude Awaking was claimed by Maker out of a good effort and could pay a quick dividend. (2) Centerfold Angel debuts off the Foley claim and deserves attention. (4) Black Kettle will be a main factor against these. (6) On Deck might wake up here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2. Exactas: 1-2 over 4-6 and 4-6 over 1-2. Doubles: 1-2-4-6 with 1-2-3.

3rd race – (3) Privet Moon has not raced since November but has enough speed to lead throughout. The (1) entry of He’s in Charge and Awesome Gerry should be the main threat. (2) Cazadero was second in a stakes and fits very well here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3.

5th race – (2) Frank’s Rockette has enough speed and class to handle this field. (4) Sconsin was second in a Grade 1 stakes and is the one to fear. (1) Rising Seas will benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4.

9th race – (8) Delta Kingdom was a good second in a similar stakes and merits top billing. (4) Temple City Terror should appreciate the added distance. (10) Dalika can move forward after a fifth behind the top pick. (2) First Course won her last start and cannot be ignored here. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-8-10.

11th race – (3) Summer Palace (A) missed by about a neck last time and can make amends here. (10) Exult should be a major factor in the final furlong. (2) Perfect Sense might relish a switch to turf. (7) Casanova Kitten had an unruly start last time and deserves a second chance. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-10.