Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 17

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, Sept. 17, 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.

2nd race – (6) Classical Romance drops into a claimer for the first time and seems to have found a field she can handle. (8) Moon Over Tuscany tired in her debut but should be more competitive in a claimer. (9) Justhappy switches back to dirt and will be a threat in a claimer. (7) Lady Bernadette adds blinkers and could cause some trouble here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-7-8-9. Doubles: 6-7-8-9 with 1-2-3.

3rd race – (3) Minute Waltz exits stakes company and looks best in this spot. (1) Strong Silent looked sharp in her debut and should be the main rival. (2) Frost Point won nicely on debut at Tampa and deserves attention here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3.

5th race – (2) Paynt Your Wagon was claimed out of his debut by Diodoro. Sharp works since then bode well for a big try here. (9) Michael Collins was third in his debut and gets a positive jockey switch. (10) Keen Mind fits in nicely at this level. (5) Brazil Nut was second and third in two dirt tries and merits attention. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-9-10.

7th race – (1) Catwings is an interesting first-time starter who merits top billing here. (4) Fabulous Fanny should benefit from her debut and be a main factor today. (2) Kant Believe It is another firster with the potential to be a threat in this field. (9) Gorgeous Carina should be a factor while switching to dirt. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-9.

9th race – (1) Beau Luminarie has been no worse than third in his last 11 starts and gets the nod in this field. (8) Twenty Twice has not raced since November but will be a big factor if there’s no rust from the layoff. (10) Claytnthelionheart is in great form and should make his presence felt. (3) Mr. Big News was third in the Kentucky Derby last year and will be formidable off his best try. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-8-10.