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Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 18
September 17, 2021Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Saturday, Sept. 18, 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 4th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.
2nd race – (3) Exemplar does some of his best running at Churchill Downs and seems to have a winning spot. (2) Rockandahardplace takes a big class drop and cannot be ignored. (5) Taos tired in his first race in more than a year and should benefit from that effort. (4) Pickford can be effective at this level. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-5. Doubles: 2-3-4-5 with 2-3-5.
3rd race – (5) Bell’s the One is in great form and loves this track. Should handle this field. (3) Ain’t No Elmers has speed and looks like the one to catch. (2) Sconsin can make her presence felt here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5.
7th race – (5) Bango seeks a fourth straight win and looks best here. (6) Mighty Mischief was second in a Monmouth stakes and could be tough to catch. (1) Dennis’ Moment had a helpful comeback race and can move forward here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6.
9th race – (6) Stellar Tap was an impressive debut winner and should be able to stretch out here. (8) Major General showed some determination in a Saratoga maiden win and looks like the one to fear. (11) Bourbon Heist may be a maiden but he can steal one in this field. (9) Guntown is another promising 2-year-old for Asmussen and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-8-9-11. Doubles: 6-8-9-11 with 1-5-6-7.
10th race – (7) Shedaresthedevil shipped west and won a Grade 1 stakes. She looks best here. (5) Envoutante looks like the one to fear. (1) Crystal Ball is usually right there at the finish and cannot be dismissed. (6) Our Super Freak usually hits the board and merits attention. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7. Exactas: 5-7 over 1-6 and 1-6 over 5-7.