Churchill Downs Hotlist - October 28

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 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 – (2) Icatiro comes off two seconds at this level and seems to have found a group he can handle. (3) Cave Run should be a big threat off the Amoss claim. (6) Strolling might perk up off the Diodoro claim. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6.

5th race - (1) Carry On debuts at a bottom level but seems ready for a sharp effort. (6) Magic Solution takes a big class drop and should be a main factor. (4) Shenandoah Flash returns to a claimer and deserves a look. (7) Longdrinkofwater has enough speed to be a threat here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-7. Doubles: 1-4-6-7 with 2-4-5. Pick 3: 1-4-6-7 with 2-4-5 with 3-5-8-9.

6th race – (4) Shashashakemeup drops into a claimer and looks best in that spot. (5) Stay Happy moves up off the Kenneally claim but may emerge as the main threat. (2) Coltonator fits in well here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5. Doubles: 2-4-5 with 3-5-8-9.

7th race – (8) American Patrol is an American Pharoah firster who seems poised for a solid effort in this turf test. (3) Loumo should take a step forward on turf. (9) Ghostlighter could have a say on the outcome in his debut. (5) Majestic Summer will welcome the added distance. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-8-9.

9th race – (2) Quiet Dignity (A) was blocked and lacked racing room but still finished second. Prevails here with a smooth trip. (9) Three Flamingos (C) dropped from 6-1 to 9-2 and posted a nice maiden win. Seems ready to tackle winners. (4) Sursum Corda (B) rallied nicely for third and should relish the added distance.  (1) Stand Tall could be tough to catch while running in an entry with First Course. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-9.