Churchill Downs Hotlist - November 20

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Saturday, Nov. 20, 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.

1st race – (5) Social Engagement takes a class drop and should handle the stretchout to two turns. (6) Alittlesliceof Pie might perk up on a dry track. (3) Moon Over Tuscany could be a threat in this field. (7) Pinkaboo may handle dirt better than turf. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6. Exactas: 5-6 over 3-7 and 3-7 over 5-6.

4th race – (7) Money Mike (C) was bet down from 7-2 to 5-2 and finished second off a class drop. Should prevail here off another drop. (1) Lavendar Earl could work out a good trip from the rail. (2) Holiday Ticket was fourth last time and may fare better at a shorter distance. (6) My Miracle Man has a nice burst of speed and could be tough to catch. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7. Exactas: 1-7 over 2-6 and 2-6 over 1-7. Doubles: 1-2-6-7 with 4-5-6.

5th race – (4) Li’l Tootsie hasn’t raced since September when she was third in a Grade 2 stakes. She still looks best in this spot. (5) Headland was a good second last time and should be a main threat. (6) Ain’t No Elmers could wake up in this spot. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6.

7th race – (6) Legerity has some late speed and should appreciate the two-turn distance. (4) Opening Night ships in from Laurel and should be a main rival. (5) La Crete will be a threat in her career debut. (2) Late Night Lady was an improved third last time and merits respect. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-6.

10th race – (4) Miss Bigly arrives from California after finishing third in a Grade 2 stakes and should prove best here. (7) Obligatory might wake up here after a poor effort last time. (3) Matera was fourth in a graded stakes and is working sharply for today’s race. (1) She Can’t Sing comes off a big win and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-7.