Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 6

Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, May 6, 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 – (5) Jettin Out drops a notch after a good second at Hawthorne and seems best in this spot. (3) Can Imagine had a rough trip when second last time and looks like the one to fear. (2) Midnight Patriot has some speed and could be tough to catch despite the layoff. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5.

3rd race – (3) Spycraft returns to turf and should respond with a big effort. (1) Searing Chase may be a main threat from the rail. (2) Cold as Hell might warm up with a switch to turf. (6) Loopallu will be a bigger threat back on turf. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3. Exactas: 1-3 over 2-6 and 2-6 over 1-3.

5th race – (6) Well Done West (C) dropped from 5-2 to 9-5 and then never fired while finishing third in a starter race. Should bounce back here in a claimer. (1) Midnight Jostar has late kick and will be a factor in the final furlong. (8) Two Princes came up empty in his first try against winners but should be competitive here. (5) Can’tbetemall can’t win ‘em all but usually brings home a check and should not be overlooked. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-8. Doubles: 1-5-6-8 with 3-4-7-8.

6th race – (3) Gold for Kitten won her career debut on a synthetic surface and should be well-suited by turf. (8) Dramatizer was claimed out of a neck loss against cheaper but fits well here on turf. (4) Cecile’s Chapter should be a major factor in her debut for Maker. (7) Thunder Buggy may wake up after a poor effort last time. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-7-8.

8th race – (10) Attorney Tim has a solid late kick that should come in handy at this distance. (1) Oceans Map had trouble on a couple of occasions last time and should bounce back with a better effort here from the rail. (7) Cibolian switches to Gaffalione and may respond to a new rider. (8) Absam turned in a game effort to break his maiden and deserves attention here. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7-8-10.