Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 18

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, Sept. 18, 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.

3rd race – (5) West Side Girl drops into a claimer for the first time and should prove best. (7) Ambitiously Placed will be a threat from the outside post. (4) Winze is a firster worth a look here. (3) More Is More might step up on the main track. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7. Exactas: 5-7 over 3-4 and 3-4 over 5-7.

5th race - (3) Ten Flat (B) was second once again last time and seems overdue for a maiden win. (6) Nineeleventurbo was only a neck behind the top pick and rates as the one to fear. (7) Adjudicator was a game second in his debut and will be a major force. (4) Highestdistinction will be a menace in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-7. Doubles: 3-4-6-7 with 1-3-4-5.

6th race – (5) Frost Or Frippery seeks a sixth-straight win and deserves top billing until they find a way to beat him. (1) House Limit will be a danger at this level. (3) Smirk won easily last time and bids for a third straight victory here. (4) Charlie’sarchangel could figure in the exotics. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-5.

8th race – (7) Sun Summers was second and first in her last two starts and finds a nice spot in this starter allowance. (5) Graysonsmacho Gal broke her maiden in solid fashion and will be a threat against winners. (1) Unapologetic Me should have no excuses from the rail. (3) Jen Take Charge usually takes home a share of the purse. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-7.

10th race – (1) Birthday Party debuts here and should have a reason to celebrate. (2) Money Miles was favored last time and will benefit from an inside trip. (7) Hidden Stash looks like a nice find in this group. (10) Generator could supply some electricity in his debut for Asmussen. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-10.