Churchill Downs Hotlist - November 2

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 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.

2nd race – (3) Oncoming Train was second in his last two starts and seems to have found a field he can handle. (6) Romancer might wake up off the class drop and the switch to dirt. (2) Big Boss Ben is worth a look on dirt. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6. Doubles: 2-3-6 with 1-3-5.

3rd race – (1) Cortese (B) posted a game maiden win last time and can make it two in a row today. (3) Back Beat looms a threat in a claimer. (5) Bourbon Therapy should be OK on dirt. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5.

5th race – (4) Crow’s Nest rallied belatedly in his debut and should triumph at this lower level. (7) Mint will be helped by the shorter distance. (6) Majestic Flag didn’t fire in MSW company but fits better here. (8) Liam the Brave has speed and can last for a share. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-7-8. Doubles: 4-6-7-8 with 3-4-7-8.

6th race – (7) Awesome Aaron should bounce back with a top effort in this field. (3) Classic King was second last time and should appreciate the added ground. (4) St Andrews could be a stretch threat. (8) Shinnecock Hills may contend after a layoff. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-7-8.

8th race – (8) Western River has experience in marathon races and that can pay off here. (1) Alejandro may benefit from a rail trip. (4) Scarlet Fusion has enough speed to be a factor here. (7) Common Bond will be dangerous in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-7-8.