Churchill Downs Hotlist - June 17

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, June 17, 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 4^th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

1st race –  (4) Frills (C) was bet down from 5-2 to 8-5 and responded with a fourth straight win. Can continue her winning ways here. (1) Invaluable could be closer on a dry track. (3) Delta Gamma Cats won easily last time and deserves respect here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4.

3rd race – (5) Crimson Rose has been absent since September but is working nicely for her comeback. (2) Legerity may respond to the turf to dirt move. (3) Floris has some early speed and could be dangerous. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5. Doubles: 2-3-5 with 1-5-6-9.

4th race – (5) Spirit and Fire  debuts for Pletcher off some fast works and gets top billing here. (9) Towhead missed by a neck in her debut and is the one to fear. (6) Kiss Me On Oconee seems primed for a big effort in her initial start. (1) Freedom for All should be a factor from the rail. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-9.

7th race – (8) Just Like Magic put in a fast workout for this and could be tough to catch. (10) C C Cruise Control seems to have some speed and is worth a look here. (2) Receive a Gift can make her presence felt in her debut. (6) Just Cindy shows a fast gate work that bodes well for his chances today. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-8-10.

9th race – (10) Predominate rallied belatedly in his debut and should be more formidable in this spot. (11) Active Duty could benefit from his first start and turn in a better showing here with the switch to Gaffalione. (1) What’s Up Doc figures to be a contender from the rail. (2) G Flat will benefit from a cutback to a one-turn mile. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-10-11.