Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 23

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, Sept. 23, 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 4^th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

1st race – (8) Tap Attack drops to a level where he should be able to prevail. (3) Thirtyeight takes a big class drop and may wake up here. (6) Poseidon Wrath ships in from California and should fit in with these. (2) Kolsch might fare better on dirt than turf. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-8.

4th race – (11) Shotgun Hottie seems poised for a big effort in her career debut. (1) Red Hot Mama should benefit from her debut and turn in a better effort here. (8) Implosion has worked well since her debut and is worth a look. (2) Frosted Charm showed little in her debut but switches to Leparoux and may perk up. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-8-11.

6th race – (2) Commander Compton was a solid second in his first dirt race and looks best here. (10) Harmon Killer Brew closed fast for third in his debut and might hit a home run here. (9) Ten Gauge disappointed last time but can bounce back in this spot. (8) Rattle N Roll bolted last time but has worked well for this try. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-8-9-10. Doubles: 2-8-9-10 with 3-4-5-7. Pick 3: 2-8-9-10 with 3-4-5-7 with 2-9-10-11.

7th race – (3) Jungle Juice was competitive against top-notch fillies and should be able to handle this field. (7) Reagan’s Edge exits a Grade 2 stakes and looks like the one to fear. (4) Perfect Happiness was second in her last two starts and cannot be ignored here. (5) Tipsy Gal should be helped by a shorter distance. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-7. Doubles: 3-4-5-7 with 2-9-10-11.

8th race – (11) Scintillating Star didn’t have much accelerate on turf but might be better suited on dirt. (10) Bhoma missed by a head and should be the main rival. (2) Medley has some inside speed and could be tough to catch. (9) Lady Terra merits some consideration switching to dirt. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-9-10-11.