Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 17

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Saturday, Sept. 17, 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) Comparative is training smartly for her debut and should win at first asking. Has an entry mate in Midvale who is on the also-eligible list. Either is capable of winning. (7) Peacock Lass disappointed in her debut but can ruffle some feathers here. (3) Bolt for Allison may prefer dirt to turf. (12) Everylittlething could be a factor in her debut. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-7-12.

4th race – (9) Luv Dragon (A) was a solid second last time at Churchill Downs and looks poised for a winning effort. (10) Sinfiltre is a Pletcher firster who merits some attention. (11) Rolleston might respond to a rider switch. (4) Please Be Kind has enough speed to be a big threat here. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-9-10-11. Doubles: 4-9-10-11 with 4-5-7-9.

5th race – (5) Loggins seems ready for a winning effort in his debut. (7) Raise Cain is also working quickly for his debut. (9) Daryl’s Bolt also has the potential to be a factor in his first start. (4) Release McCraken was second in his lone start and that experience could pay off today. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-7-9.

8th race – (2) Envoutante likes this racetrack and should prove best in this stakes. (1) Gold Spirit should work out a good trip from the rail. (3) Crazy Beautiful gives McPeek a strong uncoupled 1-2 punch. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3. Doubles: 1-2-3 with 3-5-6-9.

9th race – (3) Damon’s Mound was an impressive stakes winner at Saratoga and can continue his winning ways. (9) Echo Again looked good in a maiden win and should be the one to fear. (5) Curly Jack just missed in an Ellis Park stakes and cannot be ignored. (6) Jace’s Road displayed a good amount of ability in a maiden win. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-9.