Churchill Downs Hotlist - November 5

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, Nov. 5, 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 – (6) Money Mike disappointed in his first try at Keeneland but is returning quickly and may perk up in a claimer. (3) Babylon was third last time and moves up off a claim. (5) Gulfstream Way should be a threat against claimers. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6.

4th race – (3) Airborne Gal (B) is a perfect 2-for-2 and was claimed out of a decisive win last time. Looks best here. (4) Saving Sophie should perk up back on dirt. (2) Town Beauty rallied for third last time and will be a threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4.

6th race – (2) Katzarelli  has some speed and could be tough to catch in this spot. (1) Centrifuge should be effective with this bunch. (4) Moliere missed by less than a length at this level and will be factor once again. (5) Press Snooze should be part of the early pace and may last for a share. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-5.

8th race – (2) Brew Crew faces claimers here and should prove best at this level. (8) A C Expressway has been disappointing lately but could bounce back to top form here. (7) Bezos drops into a claimer after a much ballyhooed start to his career. He should be a threat here. (9) All the Diamonds missed by a neck last time and merits respect. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-7-8-9.

10th race – (2) Cyberknife was disqualified from a win in his debut but should make amends today. (5) Classic Moment was a close third in his debut and seems like the one to fear. (9) Words of Wisdom is training sharply for his debut and merits a close look. (6) Kapuna looks like a firster who can be a promising runner. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-9.