Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 27

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, May 27, 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.

1st race – (4) Coal Shaft was fifth against MSW company and should prevail here against bottom level runners if she repats that effort. (3) Ambitiously Placed isn’t. She fits in quite well here after a pair of thirds. (6) Making Progress should also be contender here off a big drop in claiming price. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6.

4th race – (6) Champagne Affair debuts for Amoss and seems ready for a big effort. (7) Matt’s Honey had a troubled trip last time when elevated to second and looms the main danger. (2) Giana’s Gift has some speed and could be tough to catch. (1) Kalalou figures to be a factor from the rail. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-7. Exactas: 6-7 over 1-2 and 1-2 over 6-7. Doubles: 1-2-6-7 with 1-2-6-8.

5th race – (6) Road Bible drops into a claimer and might perk up for Asmussen. (2) Prime Time Player looks like the one to fear while trying a claimer for the first time. (8) Junesandra was fourth at this level last time and will be a factor. (1) Tall Timber could stand out in this field. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-8.

7th race – (1) Answer In (C) was bet down from 9-5 to 6-5 and responded with a game victory. Can make it two in a row. (3) Dean Martini turned in an improved effort last time and can continue moving forward here. (4) Banks Island may cash in after finishing second by a neck last time. (2) Whiskey Double gets some class relief here and merits a look. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-4. Doubles: 1-2-3-4 with 3-5-7-8.

8th race – (8) River Tiber returns from a layoff and seems to be set for a strong effort in his comeback race. (3) Stribling makes his U.S. debut and appears to be a talented runner. (5) Ocelot has been away for six months but has a nice turn of speed and might hang on here if there’s no rust. (7) Nine Reaper ran well enough on synthetics to be considered here. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-7-8.