Churchill Downs Hotlist - November 18

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, Nov. 18, 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) Rewire tries claimers for the first time and should be able to reach the wire first. (5) Absolute Courage should also fare better in a claimer. (3) Away From Home has speed that could be an asset in a small field. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5.

3rd race – (4) Never Change (C) dropped from 3-2 to 3-5 and  won by a decisive margin. Should be equally tough in his first start for Asmussen. (2) Endless Sunset could be a contender at this level. (3) Mugsy Malone might be tough to catch here.  Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4.

6th race – (6) Klassy Bridgette (B) was second in both of her starts and is due for a winning try here. (7) Jenny Lind is a firster who merits respect. (8) Royal Spa should also be a factor in her debut. (5) Tabor Time may benefit from her debut and be more of a factor here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-7-8.

8th race – (3) Wish It seems poised for a big effort in her career debut. (1) Hughes Clues is another firster who should be in the mix. (2) Roman Goddess turned in an improved second start and cannot be ignored. (9) Positano Sunset could work out a good trip from the outside. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-9

10th race – (3) Parents Pride was second in her first dirt try and should prevail here. (8) Tales of Home should contend in her career debut. (6) Amaryllis Kiss disappointed last time but can bounce back here. (9) Sweets Maker fits nicely here after a layoff. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-8-9.