Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 3

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, September 3, 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.

2nd race – (4) Could You (B) set the pace and settled for second last time. Seems like she’s finally ready to graduate from the maiden ranks. (6) Tipazar should thrive in a claimer. (3) Cabo Dorado could be poised for a nice effort in her debut. (5) Not a Needy Gal might benefit from her debut and be a factor here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-6. Doubles: 3-4-5-6 with 4-5-6-9.

3rd race - (6) Matrooh drops significantly off a win on turf but should fare just as well on dirt. (5) Original Intent missed by a neck against cheaper but merits a look here. (4) Exemplar should be a factor at this level. (9) Quicksilver might work out a good trip in this field. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-9.

6th race – (5) El Supremo showed some flashes against allowance company at Lone Star and might perk up here against claimers. (10) Oxide also descends into a claimer should be a main threat. (1) Adhar drops after a dismal effort and should be watched here. (7) Zapper Van Winkle has a nice turn of early speed and might be tough to catch here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-7-10.

8th race – (4) Mr. Misunderstood was second in his last two tries and should finally reach the winner’s circle here. (10) Set Piece was forced to check and never recovered in his second U.S. start. The third time could be the charm. (8) Fielder has been sprinting and might be tough to catch if he gets away with soft fractions. (5) Made You Look fits well with these and should get a long look. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-8-10.

10th race – (10) Inject comes off a decisive win at Ellis Park and should be able to handle the added distance. (6) Crazy Beautiful was an easy win of an Ellis Park stakes and looms as the one to the fear. (7) Blissful Change looked good in his dirt debut and will be formidable if she can duplicate that effort. (5) Ava’s Grace was third in a Saratoga stakes and might appreciate the added distance and easier fractions. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-7-10.