Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 3

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Tuesday, May 3, 2022

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) Lone Rock won this race last year and looks to be in a similar form now. Looks like a deserving favorite. (2) Current has experience at the distance and should be the main rival. (4) Tenfold will be a factor on his best try. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box1-2-4.

4th race – (1) Regal Retort was hurt by a wide trip last time and should be fine from the rail with a drop into a claimer. (4) Dance Rhythms had no chance after a poor start and deserves a second chance here. (5) Recoded missed by a half-length at this level and should be a prime contender. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5.

6th race – (3) Baby Quinn returns from nearly a year-long layoff but has been working quickly and seems best at this claiming level. (2) Teo should get some attention while tackling claimers for the first time. (7) Leagal is worth a look in his career debut. (4) Lunar Rocket missed by a neck last time and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-7. Doubles: 2-3-4-7 with 1-5-6-9.

7th race – (5) Pioneering Spirit (C) dropped from 8-1 to 5-1 and closed fast for second. Should welcome the added ground here. (1) Jeeper (A) was checked on the backstretch and lost about six lengths then rallied nicely for third. Runs in an entry with Consulate and looks like the one to fear. (9) Gate Runner didn’t fire in his debut. May like this trip better. (6) Curbstone has some speed and may be dangerous if left alone on the front end. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-9.

9th race – (4) Strollin the Bayou can use his speed to lead gate-to-wire here. (3) Enchanted Nile fits in nicely with this group. (7) Aura could shine in this spot. (8) Sariah Sariah was second against cheaper but should not be ignored here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-7-8.