Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 25

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Sunday, Sept. 25, 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 – (5) Indimaaj takes a big class drop here and should prove best. (6) Jammers Justice is worth a look switching to dirt. (4) King’s Mischief exits a nice win and should be a threat. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6. Doubles: 4-5-6 with 1-2-3-8. Pick 3: 4-5-6 with 1-2-3-8 with 3-5-6.

2nd race – (8) Hill of Tara returns from Del Mar and should prevail in his first try in a claimer. (3) Chelonian also descends into a claimer and should be tough. (1) Idratherbeblessed might wake up in a claimer. (2) Prince of Roses should fare better on a dry track. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-8.  Doubles: 1-2-3-8 with 3-5-6.

3rd race – (6) Forever After All was second in her last two starts and is overdue for a maiden win. (5) Music Street has been off since June but has worked nicely for this. (3) Fine Cotton has some speed and could be tough to catch. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6.

6th race – (3) Air Attack didn’t fire in the slop but can rebound with a big effort here. (2) Silver Dust has seen better days but will be formidable in a claimer. (6) All West gets back on the main track and will be a main contender. (1) Frosted Grace will be well-suited by a return to two turns. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-6.

9th race – (9) Girolamo’s Attack cuts back to a sprint and has the kind of late kick that makes him the top pick. (1) Higher Standard has done well here and is worth a close look. (5) Edge to Edge will be a factor on his best try. (8) Silk Trade looks like the one they’ll have to catch in the stretch. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-8-9.