Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 25

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, Sept. 25, 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 – (5) Reason to Soar missed by a head in a sharp effort last time and should make amends for that setback here. (6) Royal Commission steps up off a decisive win and will be a major threat if he can duplicate that try. (3) Laddie Boy has won three of his four starts and should press the top choices. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6.

4th race - (7) Pintxos drops into a claimer for the first time and may have a class edge over these. (5) Alexander Hamilton rallied to finish second in his first try against claimers and may be worth some $10 bills to win. (8) Leading West returns to turf and may perk up here. (2) Ahnaf closed fast for third and will benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-7-8.

6th race – (2) Redeem My Heart drops into an optional claimer after running in a stakes and has a class edge here. (6) My Heart Sings chases a third straight win and will be competitive here. (8) Teenage Kicks may have moved too soon last time and might work out a better trip here. (7) Cash Out should welcome a return to turf. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-7-8.

7th race – (1) Girolamo’s Attack makes his first start for Joseph after a decisive win and looks like the one to beat. (3) Majestic West cuts back to a sprint and will be dangerous in this spot. (7) Senor Jobim will appreciate the added distance. (6) My Man Flintstone was a game winner in a claimer and should not be ignored. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-7.

10th race – (7) Capture debuts here for Asmussen and seems ready for a big effort. (3) Motown Girl returns to dirt and may turn in a better effort. (6) Entreat also seems poised for a good showing in her debut. (4) Speighty Shirl returns to her preferred distance of six furlongs and will be a main contender. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-7.