Churchill Downs Hotlist - October 1

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Saturday, Oct. 1, 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.

2nd race – (1) Shaniah was second or third in her last three starts and is overdue for a win. (4) Icy River was an easy maiden winner and should be watched here. (6) Minute Waltz may appreciate the turnback to a sprint. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6.

5th race – (2) Prairie Dunes was bothered at the start and then flew home for second. Has the breeding to thrive around two turns. (10) Tapit’s Conquest was a game second in his debut and should be the main rival. (9) Escapologist could be a factor in his debut. (8) Pyrenees could take a step forward in his second start. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-8-9-10.

7th race – (8) Desert Wolf had a troubled start then rallied belatedly for fifth. Should be much more competitive today. (3) Eldest Son may benefit from his debut and could be a contender in this field. (1) Frank’s Honor will benefit from a rail trip. (6) Recker Point can make his presence felt here. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-8.

9th race – (1) Speaker’s Corner has been facing some of the best horses in training and will welcome some class relief here. (3) Fulsome seeks a third straight win and cannot be ignored. (5) Three Technique just missed last time and belongs in the exotics. (10) Twilight Blue loves this track and should be a factor. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-10. Doubles: 1-3-5-10 with 2-4-5.

10th race – (2) Art Collector used his speed to win the Charles Town Classic for a second straight year and can control the pace here as well. (5) Hot Rod Charlie is game and consistent and looks like the main rival. (4) Rich Strike returns to the site of his Kentucky Derby stunner and figures to be a factor in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5.