Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 24

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Sunday, May 24, 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 – (8) Mesange is 0-for-12 but drops to an all-time low level where she should finally graduate. (6) Annoula also drops in class and should welcome a return to dirt. (3) Coco Caballo may finally wake up at this level. (7) It’s All Cash should fit in well against this field. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-8.

4th race – (3) Spanish Peaks is an interesting first-time starter from Cox who seems best in this spot. (8) Strong Odor didn’t fire in a maiden race on synthetics and might rebound here. (4) Sally O’Brien could be competitive on dirt. (10) Mariposa d’Oro will welcome a return to claimers. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-8-10.

6th race – (2) Sister Hanan (B) was hurt by a wide trip in a stakes and should be poised for a strong effort from the rail here. (7) Sea of Blue exits a strong maiden win and cannot be overlooked. (9) Sister Kitten should be closing quickly in the final furlong. (3) Enjoyitwhilewecan could be tough to catch from the rail. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-9.

7th race – (12) Per Capita (A) was surprisingly disqualified from a maiden win and should make amends here. (2) Oak Room got off to a slow start and then rallied belatedly for third. Should take a step forward here. (7) Beacon Hill is a intriguing first-time starter. (8) Backshot lost by a head and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 12 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-7-8-12.

9th race – (2) Whispering Beauty returns to turf and should prove best here. (3) Chaleur makes her U.S. debut and seems ready for a big effort. (1) Mercilla only lost by a length to close out 2019 and has put in some strong drills for her comeback. (11) Mighty Scarlett has a nice turn of late speed and should be in the picture at the end. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-2-3-11.