Churchill Downs Hotlist - November 19

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, Nov. 19, 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) Devil’s Tower drops into a claimer and can lead from start to finish from the outside in a short field. (1) Cypriano was claimed by Hartman and merits respect here. (5) Pletcher has a winning name and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6.

4th race – (1) Wild Appeal drops to a level where he should prove best in this spot. (2) Boneyardholler makes his debut and can make some noise here. (7) Ridgepointe is another firster who seems to have some potential. (4) Cloud Creek may wake up at this level. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-7.

6th race – (9) Guajira  was victorious in her debut back in May and should be ready for another big effort here. (2) Hillstone Martini tackles claimers and looks like the main rival. (8) Santa Elena comes off a sharp win and should be a factor here. (1) Spanish Idol could lead throughout from the rail. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-8-9. Doubles: 1-2-8-9 with 5-7-10-11. Pick 3: 1-2-8-9 with 5-7-10-11 with 1-5-6-7.

7th race – (10) Rocket Dawg debuts for Cox and can turn in a winning effort against this group. (5) Bet He’s Ready is a firster from Asmussen who may live up to his name. (7) Grantham also seems poised for a solid effort in his debut. (11) Improbable Journey can take a step forward here after finishing fifth in his debut. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7-10-11. Doubles: 5-7-10-11 with 1-5-6-7.

8th race – (1) Leddy (A) won easily in his second start and should be able to handle winners here. (5) Demogorgon ships in from Canada and should be well-suited by dirt. (6) Florida Gator seeks a third straight win and should be a major threat. (7) Red Label could work out a nice trip from the outside post. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5. Exactas: 1-5 over 6-7 and 6-7 over 1-5.