Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 15

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, Sept. 15, 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 – (4) Tap Dancing Lady was second and third in her last two starts and seems overdue for a victory. (3) Temper Time may respond to the class drop with a big effort for Romans. (6) Powder River has been second or third in her last six starts and belongs in the exotics. (2) Smarmy should turn in a better effort on dirt. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4. Exactas: 3-4 over 2-6 and 2-6 over 3-4. Doubles: 2-3-4-6 with 2-3-6-8. Pick 3: 2-3-4-6 with 2-3-6-8 with 2-6-9-10.

3rd race – (8) One for Richie has plenty of early speed and may not look back here. (2) All West gets back on dirt and should be the main rival. (3) Totalizer drops out of stakes company and fits better here. (6) Big Sport will be part of the early pace and could hang on for a share. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-8. Doubles: 2-3-6-8 with 2-3-9-10.

4th race – (6) Insolito has not raced since January but drops into a claimer for the first time and has a class edge over these. (10) Lucky Smile debuts for Pletcher and should not be ignored. (2) Constitutional Law might wake up in a claimer. (9) Scratchoff should respond to a class drop. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-9-10.

7th race – (1) Gun It likes this racetrack and can work out a winning trip from the rail. (3) Hidden Scroll has plenty of back class and could be a factor here. (10) Major Fed should appreciate a turnback to a sprint. (4) Surveillance might be a threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-10. Doubles: 1-3-4-10 with 2-6-7-8.

8th race – (8) Supertaleofhoudini gets back on dirt and should thrive at this reduced level. (6) Pappysaysyes hasn’t raced since April but is working nicely for her comeback. (2) Ipsum Gratus drops to a level where he should be top threat. (7) Cycologist fits in nicely with this field. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-7-8.