Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 7

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, May 7, 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.

2nd race – (6) Guajira debuts for Ward seems ready for a big effort in her debut. (9) Ding Ding was third in her debut and should benefit from that effort. (7) Why Behave could be a factor in her initial start. (5) Marlin Quay might benefit from a drop into a claimer. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-7-9.

4th race – (1) Ace Destroyer ships in from Oaklawn and has the kind of speed that will make him tough to catch from the rail. (8) Thirsty Betrayal takes a big class drop and is worth a look here. (7) State Treasurer fits in nicely at this level. (4) Tiz Approved should be part of the early pace and may hang on for a share. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-7-8. Doubles: 1-4-7-8 with 4-5-6-10.

5th race – (10) Excursion (C) dropped from 3-1 to 2-1 but settled for a distant third. Steps up in class here but should improve off a Diodoro claim. (6) Lavender Earl has been racing pretty well on synthetics and should handle the switch to dirt. (5) No Angel was a game second in his debut and should not be ignored. (4) Windcracker drops into a claimer and should put his speed to good use here. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-10.

7th race – (3) Richiesgotgame could enjoy a return to dirt and turn in a strong effort here. (2) Copa has speed and may be the one to fear. (4) Mobster Gun should be a stretch threat and merits attention here. (1) Military Bearing seeks a third straight win and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-4.

9th race – (6) Orphan Hallie didn’t fire on a wet track but should bounce back here. (1) Mr. Flattery also should appreciate a switch to a dry surface after tiring on a wet track. (2) Delightfullywicked takes a big-time class drop and figures to be competitive here. (5) Mr. Peterkin should be a main threat after a runner-up finish at Oaklawn. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-6.