Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 1

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Tuesday, September 1, 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.

2nd race – (3) Leading West returns to dirt here and should be just fine at the distance. (5) Allege might improve on a dry track. (4) Jack Luvs Nova showed late kick in a sprint and may be suited by the distance. (1) Mulberry Street will welcome a return to the main track. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5. Exactas: 3-5 over 1-4 and 1-4 over 3-5.

4th race - (6) Sir Winston won the Belmont Stakes at this distance and should be hard to beat in this spot. (2) Rated R Superstar has a nice closing kick and figures to be gaining ground in the stretch. (1) Ry’s the Guy could be a threat from the rail. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6. Doubles: 1-2-6 with 5-7-8-9.

5th race – (8) Ice Queen missed by a neck in a sharp debut at Saratoga and should prove best here. (9) Miss Eau de Vie will appreciate the added distance. (5) Aunt Pearl seems ready for a strong debut. (7) Faith and Honor had an educational debut and deserves some attention.  Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7-8-9.

7th race – (9) Harvey Wallbanger runs for a claiming tag and might perk up back at Churchill Downs. (4) Street to Indy was second in his last two starts and cannot be ignored. (3) Honoring Major seems well-suited in this spot. (6) Arrival is a consistent sort who fits in nicely here. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-9. Doubles: 3-4-6-9 with 2-3-5-6.

8th race – (6) Hay Dakota drops into a claimer and has enough back class to prevail here. (2) Freedom’s Flight seeks a third straight win and seems like the one to fear. (5) Silver N Lai has plenty of speed and could be difficult to catch. (3) Big Beautiful Wall is in great form will be a main contender against this group. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-6.