Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 26

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Saturday, Sept. 26, 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 – (2) Icatiro didn’t fire in the mud back in May but has received some time off and should turn in an improved try here. (5) Mine My Time has some early speed and should last for a share. (3) Strolling drops in class while returning to six furlongs and should be a factor. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5.

6th race - (1) Moliere was a game second in his debut for Asmussen and seems ready for a winning effort. (6) Fastly cuts back to seven furlongs and will be a chief threat. (3) Totally Jimbo is working nicely toward his debut. (7) Lake Nimrod was an improved second last time and merits attention. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box1-3-6-7. Doubles: 1-3-6-7 with 2-6-7-9.

7th race – (9) Idol (C) was bet down from 8-5 to 6-5 and finished second in his debut. He should graduate today. (6) The Sound has put in some works for his debut and deserves a close look. (7) Emperador is another firster who cannot be overlooked. (2) Lucky Asset should appreciate the turnback to a sprint. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-7-9.

9th race – (1) Warrior’s Charge has enough early speed to control the pace and lead gate-to-wire. (9) Bankit didn’t seem to handle the track at Charles Town but should perk up here. (13) Everfast will welcome a fast track. (4) American Anthem flopped on turf but is much better suited for dirt. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-9-13. Doubles: 1-4-9-13 with 4-5-9-10.

10th race – (4) Longpants Required (B) turned in a second straight runner-up finish after a slow start and wide trip. Seems ready to graduate here. (9) Leah Chase was a promising second in her 2020 debut and should be the one to fear. (10) War Like Goddess could be a key contender in her debut. (5) Fashion Mo will appreciate a return to turf. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-9-10.