Keeneland Select

Churchill Downs Hotlist - November 1

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.

1st race – (7) Hedge was second last time and seems to be getting better with each start. (6) Blake James adds blinkers and should be in the picture. (1) Optical had a miserable trip in the Breeders’ Futurity and can rebound here. (4) Gardiner has speed and is a key threat. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-7.

3rd race – (9) Guardian seems set for a big try in his debut. (4) Can’t Stop Munnings was third in his debut and looks like the key threat.  (5) Mischievous Intent is an interesting firster from Asmussen. (7) Our Favorite Son is worth a look here. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-7-9.

5th race – (7) Kalahari Dreams was hurt by a wide trip when second in his debut. Gets the job done here. (11) Mubarez is training swiftly for his debut. (5) Faust is another interesting firster. (3) Lottery Win could prevail in this spot. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-7-11.

7th race – (3) Muhimma was a powerful debut winner for Cox and can make It two in a row. (4) Candy Quest won on turf but has the breeding to thrive on dirt. (7) Evanescence should not be ignored off a solid maiden win. (10) Tiz People can wake up for Asmussen.  Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-7-10.

9th race - (9) El Gunner drops to a level where he should be effective. (1) Mr McGregor has speed and the rail. (8) Artwell will appreciate a dry track. (11) Prints Money can move forward off his last start. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-8-9-11.