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Keeneland Select

Churchill Downs Hotlist - September 30

September 29, 2022

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, Sept. 30, 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 4th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

2nd race – (5) Blue Kentucky returns to dirt and should turn in a sharp effort. (1) Malibu S S figures to be a threat with a ground-saving trip. (6) Zippin Gigi could be tough to catch in this spot. (4) Waita Minute Hayes should improve against claimers. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5. Exactas: 1-5 with 4-6 and 4-6 with 1-5. Doubles: 1-4-5-6 with 1-2-4.

3rd race – (1) Dr. Perry has the rail and Gaffalione and that may be a winning combination. (2) Air Combat will be well-suited by the six-furlong distance. (4) Seal Beach has put in some promising works and may wake up here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4.

5th race – (6) Nomadic Pride put in a sharp, bullet work for her debut and may lead throughout. (1) Malibu Toast is another firster who may be a keen runner. (7) Rye Munny can make her presence felt here. (5) Valiant Praise should be a factor back on dirt. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-7.

7th race – (4) Justifying had a troubled trip when well-bet in her debut. Deserves a second chance here. (9) Queen of Chill has been acting like a solid runner in morning drills. (2) American Odalisque is worth a look in this field. (1) Gavinera could come out running for McPeek. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-9.

8th race – (3) Alejandro was like a fish out of water on turf and should rebound here on dirt. (4) Decision Maker is also a threat while moving from turf to dirt. (5) Search Engine belongs in the exotics. (2) Scarlet Fusion seems primed for a strong effort here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-5.