Churchill Downs Hotlist - November 20

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Sunday, Nov. 20, 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 – (2) Coach Jer’s Joy didn’t fire in her first start after a year layoff. Should be more competitive here. (4) Nostalgia has not raced in a little more than a year but fits in with these. (5) Mohaylady drops in search of a winning level. (6) Undecoded could last for a share in this field. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4. Exactas: 2-4 over 5-6 and 5-6 over 2-4. Doubles: 2-4-5-6 with 1-3-4-8.

2nd race – (3) Proud Performer is a firster from Asmussen who seems set for a strong effort. (8) Midsummer Soiree tired in the slop. Might hang on over a dry track. (1) Timely Secret should be a factor from the rail. (4) Smooth Like Ice might sneak into the picture here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-8.

5th race – (1) Inventing needed six tries but finally broke her maiden with a big win. Can make it two straight here from the rail. (2) Take Care has the pedigree to handle the added distance. (5) She’s Keen looks like the one to catch in this test. (4) Music Street should welcome the 10-furlong distance. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-4. Doubles: 1-2-3-4 with 2-6-9-12. Pick 3: 1-2-3-4 with 2-6-9-12 with 1-3-4-9.

6th race – (6) Lighter Knot (C) dropped from 3-1 to 2-1 then set the pace before tiring and winding up third. Should lead throughout here. (2) Lexington Diamond could rebound after a poor start in her debut. (9) Taxed could perk up in a claimer. (12) Cerchi may appreciate a switch to dirt and facing claimers. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-9-12. Doubles: 2-6-9-12 with 1-3-4-9.

7th race – (3) Freydis the Red looks best here, either on turf or dirt. (1) Jet Setting seems ready for a solid effort off a long layoff. (9) Sabalenka should be closing quickly at the end. (4) Safeem exits a nice maiden win. If on dirt, include (10) Peacock Lass. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-9.