Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 24

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, Sept. 24, 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.

3rd race – (4) Distorted Moon was third in his last two dirt races and seems the best of this bunch. (7) Airstreem got rolling too late last time and might like the added distance. (5) Mau Mau could be a factor in the final furlong. (1) Abaan may perk up in his second start. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-7. Exactas: 4-7 over 1-5 and 1-5 over 4-7.

5th race - (8) Alejandro is working smartly for his debut and should reach the winner’s circle. (6) Buffalo Shuffle adds blinkers and may take a step forward in his second start. (3) Last Samurai seems better than his dull debut. (9) Waypoint should benefit from his debut. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-8-9.

7th race – (4) Regal Beauty weakened in the final furlong at a mile and should be well-suited by seven furlongs. (3) Palio Flag was a solid second at Saratoga and will be the one to fear. (8) Enjoyitwhilewecan should welcome a return to the main track. (6) Zanadu may shine for you in this spot. Betting strategy: 4  to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-8. Doubles: 3-4-6-8 with 1-2-3-9. Pick 3: 3-4-6-8 with 1-2-3-9 with 1-3-6-7.

8th race – The (1) entry of On a Spree and Morocco offers a nice 1-2 punch of a horse who should be pressing the pace and a closer. One of them should get the job done. (9) Crypto Cash is fresh and seems poised for a solid effort. (3) Power Player should like the stretchout here. (2) Tizzarunner is in great form and will be a main threat. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-9. Doubles: 1-2-3-9 with 1-3-6-7.

9th race – The (1) entry of Race Craft and Santa Cruiser  supplies a mix of a promising newcomer (Race Craft) and a 2-year-old who was a solid third in his debut. Hard to look past this duo. (3) Swill adds blinkers and should be the main rival. (6) Scarlet Fusion put in a bullet work for his debut and should not be ignored. (7) Big Lake also seems ready for a big effort in his first start. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-7.