Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 29

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, May 29, 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.

1st race – The (1) entry of Jungle Warfare and Shivermetimbers form a solid entry in which either one can cross the wire first. (6) Fort Peck has a nice turn of early speed and could be tough to catch. (7) Heavy Roller will be dangerous back in claimers. (3) Curlin Rules has been very competitive at this level and should be around at the wire. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6. Exactas: 1-6 over 3-7 and 3-7 over 1-6. Doubles: 1-3-6-7

2nd race - (1) Nautilus has been working quickly for his debut and merits top billing here. (4) Cazadero has displayed some speed in his drills and looks like the one to fear. (12) Knicks Front cannot be ignored in this spot. (10) Gypsy King hails from Ward’s barn who usually has his 2-year-olds ready for their debut. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-10-12.

5th race - (4) Mishko was competitive in stakes company and holds a class edge here in a claimer. (5) River Finn was second and third in his last two starts and seems due for a win. (8) Memorable will appreciate a return to turf. (7) Fortheluvofbourbon is worth a look on grass. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-7-8.

7th race - (12) Manny Wah turned in a solid effort last time against Whitmore. A similar effort should carry him to the wire first. (8) Hog Creek Hustle came up empty last time but his recent works indicate he can perk up today. (3) Boldor flopped on a wet track but can return to top form here. (1) Rare Form will be dangerous from the rail. Betting strategy: 12 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-8-12.

9th race – (8) Irish Spirit missed by a neck last time and should make amends in this spot. (5) Uncle Momo disappointed last time but can bounce back against these. (2) Predator will be dangerous at this level. (9) Alex’s Strike has late speed and will be dangerous in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-8-9.