Churchill Downs Hotlist - November 26

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, Nov. 26, 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.

3rd race – (8) Closet Shopper finally drops into a claimer and finally seems to have found a field she can handle. (3) High Fair was third in her first start on turf and could take a step forward here. (6) November Rose was third in her debut and will be dangerous here. (1) Peyton’s College was hurt by a wide trip and should save ground here. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-8. Doubles: 1-3-6-8 with 1-2-6.

4th race – (2) Perfect Choice won her first two starts and should be sharp for her first start with Cox. (1) Powder River should work out a good trip from the rail. (6) Emilia’s Moon fits in well in this spot. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6.

9th race – (2) Allege (D) dropped from 3-1 to 2-1 but tired in the stretch. Should appreciate the shorter distance here. (3) Patagonia has been away for more than a year and a half but seems to be  ready for a big try here. (4) Huge Bigly was a game second last time and will be a main contender. (6) Farmington Road might wake up in this spot. Betting strategy:  2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-6.

11th race – (1) Midnight Bourbon rates as one of the top 3-year-olds in a talented class. Should be tough to beat from the rail. (8) Maxfield is 4-for-4 here and rates as the main threat. (3) Dr Post was third in the Grade 1 Woodward and should not be overlooked. (4) Happy Saver will be dangerous on his best effort. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-8. Doubles: 1-3-4-8 with 4-7-8-9.

12th race – (4) Tango Charlie (B) has won two in a row and can make it a hat trick here. (7) On Your Mark has some late kick and will be a stretch threat. (8) Cousteau broke his maiden impressively and should be a key factor off the Maker claim. (9) Pirate Rick can perk up at this level based on past success at this level. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-7-8-9.