Churchill Downs Hotlist - November 18

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020

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 – (6) Frost or Frippery returned to his winning ways at Indiana Grand last time and should continue the roll here. (2) Overzealous was an easy winner last time and should be the main threat. (1) Landofthepharaohs was second to Overzealous and could be in the picture once again.  (4) Original Intent didn’t care for a sloppy track and can bounce back here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6. Exactas: 2-6 over 1-4 and 1-4 over 2-6.

4th race - (1) Beachwalker was second in an off-the-turf test and should prevail here on the main track. (10) Patriot’s War was third behind Beachwalker and should not be dismissed. (3) Punch Hard might be effective on dirt. (2) Ahnaf will be a threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-10.

6th race – (6) Credit Enhancement (B) was a game second in her first try in a claimer and should prevail at a lower level. (8) Lake Sense is worth a look in her debut. (1) Happygobucky deserves consideration off the Asmussen claim. (7) Spy a Star could land a spot in the exotics. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-7-8. Doubles: 1-6-7-8 with 3-8-9-10. Pick 3: 1-6-7-8 with 3-8-9-10 with 2-10-11-12.

7th race – (10) Conformist (B) won powerfully in his career debut in a maiden claimer. Was taken by Joseph out of that start and seems capable of winning this starter race. (3) Sam and Sy was an easy winner of his debut and looms as the one to fear. (8) Critical Threat won his debut at long odds and should not be ignored. (9) Generator exits a solid win and can make his presence felt. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-8-9-10. Doubles: 3-8-9-10 with 2-10-11-12.

8th race – (11) Figure It Out is on the also-eligible list but should get to run and looks best in this race switched to the dirt course. (10) Kim K will also be helped by the move to the main track. (12) Singita Dream was disqualified from first last time but can atone here. (2) Extra Effort has some speed and an inside post which make her a threat. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-10-11-12.