Churchill Downs Hotlist - October 1

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, Oct. 1, 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 – (4) Speed Zone was second in her last two starts and is overdue for a maiden win. (9) Tribord should be competitive at this level. (8) Brody Slam should improve back on dirt. (6) Mini Dress might be a factor here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-8-9. Doubles: 4-6-8-9 with 3-4-6-7.

2nd race – (3) The Queens Jules was claimed by Diodoro out of a weak try on turf. Should rebound with a good showing on dirt. (6) Frolic More takes a big class drop and should be considered. (7) Cove Blue has been absent since May but exits a winning effort. (4) News Box could deliver a strong effort. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6. Exactas: 3-6 over 4-7 and 4-7 over 3-6.

4th race – (3) Mo’s Mojo has a nice turn of speed and may lead throughout. (2) Eskenforit won easily last time and looms the main threat. (6) Brother Aaron should be part of the early pace and can last for a share of the purse. (7) Machismo seeks a fifth straight win and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-7.

7th race – (6) Legerity is working sharply for her career debut and looks best here. (4) Midnight Grind is another interesting firster who deserves consideration. (2) Fine Family also has the look of a fast first-time starter. (10) Princess Pauline can be a threat in her debut for Asmussen. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-10. Doubles: 2-4-6-10 with 4-5-6-7.

8th race – (4) Tune In won by seven at Gulfstream and ships in ready for another peak effort. (6) Summer Splash was a game fourth last time and can move forward here. (7) Starininmydreams was overmatched in a stakes but fits better here. (5) Major Fed will be a major factor in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-7.