Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 2

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Wednesday, September 2, 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.

1st race – (6) Reason to Soar figures to bounce after a huge win at Lone Star but still seems best in this spot. (4) Strong Yen should welcome the switch from synthetics to dirt. (5) Laddie Boy could be tough to catch here. (2) Victory Element might wake up back on dirt. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6. Exactas: 4-6 over 2-5 and 2-5 over 4-6.

4th race - (5) Flashy Biz didn’t care for turf last time but should bounce back here. (4) Designing has a nice late kick and should be a factor late. (6) Beauty Day will be more formidable on a dry track. (8) Lemon Chill could be a threat off the class drop. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-8.

6th race – (6) Conquest Rainycity turned in a dismal debut at Ellis Park after he was well-bet. He might blossom in this spot. (9) Lavish McTavish is worth a close look in his career debut. (10) Keepmeinmind could be ready for a big effort in his first start. (2) Dewy’s Hit was second at Arlington last time and merits attention here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-9-10.

8th race – (4) Lookin At Bikinis has been away since December but seems ready for a top effort today. (3) Lord Dragon seeks a fourth straight win and cannot be ignored. (12) Royal Mesa should be suited by the one-turn mile. (9) Bourbon Resolution seems ready to turn in a better effort on dirt. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-9-12. Doubles: 3-4-9-12 with 2-4-7-8.

9th race – (8) Change of Control seeks a third straight win and should benefit from a fast pace. (7) Break Even has plenty of early speed and looks like the one to catch in the stretch. (2) Bulletproof One ships in from California and will be dangerous here. (4) Jakarta will also be part of a lively pace and might hang on for a slice of the purse. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-7-8.