Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 5

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, May 5, 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) Empire of My Own put in a quick gate work and can graduate at first asking. (3) American Apple is bred for success and merits attention. (2) Catherine Blaze is worth a look in this field. (4) Devious Dame should not be ignored. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3. Exactas: 1-3 over 2-4 and 2-4 over 1-3.

5th race – (2) James Jones was a promising second in his debut at Tampa and looks best here. (9) Enough Already might appreciate a switch to turf. (4) Advanced Placement seems overdue for a maiden win. (5) Twirling Blues may work out a nice trip here. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-9.

7th race – (4) Downtown Abby won impressively at Fair Grounds in her debut and merits top billing in this field. (2) Social Dilemma should be a stretch threat and looms as the main rival. (7) Belle Rebelle exits a solid maiden win and deserves consideration. (1) Ursulina could be a contender from the rail. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-7. Doubles: 1-2-4-7 with 1-4-6-9.

8th race – (6) Set Piece has been racing in Grade 1 stakes and has a class edge over this bunch. (1) Monarchs Glen figures to be a threat in the final furlong. (4) Kentucky Ghost appears sharp after some time off. (9) Gray’s Fable has a useful comeback race and merits some respect. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-9.

10th race – (7) Goin’ Good (B) was a troubled third last time and can make amends for that setback here. (5) Change of Control loves this course and figures to be the main rival. (8) Tobys Heart ships in from California and cannot be overlooked. (9) Bullseye Beauty missed by a neck and might be a prime threat.   Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7-8-9.