Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 26

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Sunday, Sept. 26, 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.

3rd race – (7) Cold as Hell returns to dirt and drops to a claiming level for D. Wayne where he should be tough to beat. (1) Ultimate was claimed last time by Maker and should be a threat at this level. (3) Press Snooze has been quite competitive at a slightly lesser level and merits respect here. (6) Outlier might be the real deal here. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7. Exactas: 1-7 over 3-6 and 3-6 over 1-7.

5th race – (6) Auburn Hills has been no worse than fifth in his last five starts and seems best in this spot. (7) Brew Crew was a good third last time and should be competitive this spot. (2) Hanks was overmatched in a stakes and fits better here. (1) Hombrazo could work out a nice trip from the rail. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-7. Exactas: 6-7 over 1-2 and 1-2 over 6-7.

7th race – (4) Congratulated switches back to dirt and could be tough to catch here. (1) Amazing Antics might thrive at this reduced distance. (5) Toccata seeks a third straight win and cannot be ignored. (2) Latte Dolce exits a big win and could be dangerous. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4. Exactas: 1-4 over 2-5 and 2-5 over 1-4. Doubles: 1-2-4-5 with 1-3-6-7.

8th race – (7) Famed is a half-sister to Essential Quality making her debut for Cox. She deserves top billing here. (3) Beautiful Empire is a firster from Casse who should be formidable. (1) Mommasgottarun has speed and the rail and could be tough to catch. (6) Howboutdemapples makes her third career start and that could be the charm. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-7.

10th race – (6) Smarmy has been away since March but has never been worse than third and can handle these on her best try. (2) Bitter Vixen could be ready for a big effort in his debut. (3) Make Her Day is another interesting firster in this spot. (10) Upandcomingstar was third in her two starts and figures to be a contender.  Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-10