Churchill Downs Hotlist - November 5

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020

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 – (1) War Detonator (B) was a game second last time at this level and should prevail here. (3) Lemon and Diem hasn’t raced since a dull debut at Oaklawn in April, but should thrive here in a claimer. (4) Roux Ga Roux also returns from a layoff in a claimer and merits attention. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4. Double: 1-3-4 with 1-2-8-9.

2nd race - (9) Bump never fired in his debut but should be effective at this reduced level. (1) Hickerson showed little in MSW company but should respond to the class drop. Runs in an entry with Star Mission. (8) High Season should put his speed to good use here. (2) Saving Mama could be a contender against these. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-8-9.

6th race – (4) Mrs. O’Connell showed nice improvement in her second start and seems poised for a maiden victory. (2) Rebuff is an interesting firster from Cox who cannot be ignored. (9) Sylvia Q  is prepping nicely for her career debut. (10) Let’s Skedaddle has some ability but landed a tough post. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-9-10.

8th race – (2) Eel Point (B) was an impressive maiden winner and can make it two in a row today. (4) Haydens Havoc was given a break after a weak effort but seems set for a good effort today. (1) Groovy Lemon Pie woke up in his second start and will be a threat from the rail. (5) Rob the Rich won easily at Indiana Grand and should be a main contender. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-5. Doubles: 1-2-4-5 with 4-5-6-8.

9th race – (4) Parlor has been racing in stakes and will welcome the class relief in an optional claimer. (6) Mr. Misunderstood missed by a half-length in a Remington stakes and shapes up as the one to fear. (8) Snapper Sinclair should be closing quickly in the stretch. (5) Made You Look can make his presence felt in this spot. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-8.