Churchill Downs Hotlist - November 17

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, Nov. 17, 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. +

1st race – (1) Desoto’s War was third in his last two tries but should prevail in this field. (4) Plemmonston won his last start and should be a main threat. (2) Lake Tahoe also exits a win and should be watched. (6) Hot Pastrami could be a tasty choice here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-6.

3rd race – (6) Argumental (C) was bet down from 9-5 to 7-5 and then posted a front-running maiden win. Should not be caught here, either. (4) My Dams Atitude returns from 6-month layoff and runs well fresh. (3) Shaniah was no worse than third in her last five starts and belongs in the exotics. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6.

5th race – (4) Iberville was a game third last time and looks tough off the Tomlinson claim. (8) Camp David may respond to a class drop. (1) Lightning Struck should be a main factor from the rail for Asmussen. (2) Classic King could wake up in this field. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-8

7th race – (1) Release McCraken was second in two of his three starts and should graduate today. (7) Tap Dance Tango is a Asmussen firster who can make his presence felt. (10) Sir can benefit from the addition of blinkers. (4) Global Surprise figures to be competitive here. Betting strategy: 1  to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-7-10.

9th race – (5) Skelly (A) won easily last time and should handle this field as well. (9) B Sudd looks like the one to fear while returning from a freshening. (8) Back to Normal is working quickly for this start. (2) Improbable Journey has speed and could hang on for a share of the purse. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-8-9.