Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 25

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Saturday, Sept. 25, 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 – (4) Ginnsu Warrior drops into a claimer for Cox and looks best in this spot. (6) Cousin Greg was a sharp maiden winner last time and should be the main threat. (3) Rumble Strip Ron will welcome a return to dirt. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6.

5th race – (2) Baja Fog takes a big class droop and should be the one to beat. (7) Freudian tries claimers for the first time and might be a threat. (10) Jerusalema didn’t fire in her debut but could be a factor in a claimer while adding blinkers. (4) Cha should handle the switch from synthetics to dirt. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-7-10

7th race – (5) Cyberknife seems sharp heading into his debut and can win at first asking. (6) Hoist the Gold was an improved second last time and figures to be the main rival. (8) Fast Lane is working for his debut like a promising runner. (2) Devil’s Glen was second in his debut and should be a contender today. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-8.

9th race – (6) Bourbon Thunder exits a Grade 3 stakes and should prove best in this spot. (1) Gagetown figures to  be closing quickly in the final furlong. (2) King’s Ovation was a good second and belongs in the exotics. (4) King Fury should enjoy the class relief after running in the Travers. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6. Exactas: 1-6 over 2-4 and 2-4 over 1-6.

10^th race – (3) Bob’s Edge didn’t care for turf but should thrive back on the main track. (2) Ram switches to Bejarano and seems capable of a better effort. (4) He’smyhoneybadger won his last and should not be ignored here. (8) Wolfie’s Dynaghost just might perk up with a big effort while moving to dirt. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-8.