Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 31

 Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Monday, May 31, 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) Baja Fog seems better suited for the dirt and should perk up here. (3) Diva Dixie returns to the main track and finds easier company in a claimer. (2) Classiness might be ready for a big effort in her debut. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4. Doubles: 2-3-4 with 1-2-4.

2nd race – (4) Cabot was victorious in his last try on dirt and should thrive at this claiming level. (2) Ace Destroyer has speed and will be dangerous in a small field. (1) State Treasurer was second and is worth a look off the claim. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4.

6th race – (6) In Sky We Trust drops into a claimer and will be formidable on a dry surface. (7) Walker’s Quist was second in his debut and looks like the one to fear. (2) Maxim Moment tired while racing wide  and should be more effective in a claimer. (1) Hope and Dignity was second at this level and will be tough to handle 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 2-3-6-7.

7th race – (3) First Premio (A) rallied strongly to win his last start and should be tough to handle off a similar try. (6) Fortuity will welcome a return to turf. (2) Street Ready has some late kick and may  be a stretch threat here. (7) Vintage Print rallied belatedly after a layoff and will benefit from that start. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-7.

9th race – (7) Bakwena was second in a race taken off the turf and seems poised to finally post his maiden win. (3) Advanced Placement gets back on turf and should be the main rival. (5) Happy Hepo has the breeding to be effective on turf. (2) Incitatus has speed and may hang on against this field. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-5.