Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 21

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 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.

1st race – (4) Violent Gigi takes a big class drop and should be able to handle this field. (7) Beverly’s Charge returns to a level where she should be competitive. (1) West Warpath should be helped by a ground-saving trip. (5) Heavenly Trip could be tough to beat if she gets one. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-7. Doubles: 1-4-5-7 with 2-3-10-12.

2nd race – (2) Inspeightoftrainer could perk up with a turf to dirt switch and pull out a victory here. (10) Cortese was claimed by Maker at Del Mar and looks like the one to fear. (12) Saturn Boy was a game second in his debut and can make his presence felt here. (3) Must Be the Money could be a threat in his debut. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-10-12.

5th race – (7) She’s a Dime comes off a sharp win at Indianapolis and can make it two in a row. (6) Dontyouremember should be a stretch threat here. (2) Family Time fits in nicely with this bunch. (1) Big Bad Diva has speed and the rail and could be tough to catch. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-7. Doubles: 1-2-6-7 with 3-4-7-12.

6th race – (3) Golden Fate is working sharply for his first start and merits top billing. (12) Street Swagg is another firster who cannot be overlooked. (7) King d’Oro is training sharply for his debut and merits consideration. (4) Lugan Knight also seems to have some ability and could be a factor. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-7-12.

9th race – (9) Offutt Cole drops into a field where he should lead from start to finish. (10) Baronne will be dangerous off his best try. (11) Lookinforexcitemen has been second in three of his last four starts and should be in the picture once again. (1) Ike and Jack might be tougher in his second start after a layoff.  Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-9-10-11.