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Keeneland Select

Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 18

September 17, 2022

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Sunday, Sept. 18, 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 4th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

2nd race – (3) Frigid Lady drops into a claimer for the first time and should prove best. (5) Unified Decision might wake up in a claimer. (6) My Lady Luna could be a contender in her first start. (7) She’ll Never Know should be better suited on dirt. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-7.

4th race – (9) Gold Luck switches over to dirt and drops into a claimer. Seems like a winning move. (2) Once Upon a Dream could be a factor in his debut. (6) Easy Big Boy is worth a look back on dirt. (7) Talkscheap fits in nicely with this bunch. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-7-9.  Doubles: 2-6-7-9 with 4-5-6.

5th race – (4) I Cross My Heart returns to a claimer and should handle this field. (5) Feeling Happy could put a smile on her backers’ face. (6) High Speed seeks a third straight win and merits consideration. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-7-9.

7th race – (9) Saenz can win at first asking for Cox. (11) Fee could turn in a better effort here in her second start. (12) Pretty Mischievous is another firster who could be a factor here. (7) Souper Explosive deserves a look in her debut for Casse. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 7-9-11-12

9th race – (11) Ice Orchid was second to Oaks winner Secret Oath in February. Hasn’t raced since then but her workouts say she’s ready for a solid effort. (2) Take Care was a sharp maiden winner and looks like the main rival. (8) Outlining has speed and could be dangerous here. (10) Bella Runner exits a game maiden win and should not be overlooked. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-8-10-11.