Churchill Downs Hotlist - June 19

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Friday, June 19, 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.

3rd race – (8) Cousteau has been training sharply for his career debut with Pletcher and merits top billing. (2) Jackie’s Warrior put in a quick work for this and looks like the one to fear. (1) Pico d’Oro deserves consideration. (6) Private Island seems ready for a solid effort. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-8. Doubles: 1-2-6-8 with 3-6-7-8.

4th race - (6) Morticia set the pace and then tired in the final furlong while returning from a seven-month layoff. Stakes-winning mare should move forward off that effort. (3) Midnight Fantasy looms as  the one to fear in the final furlong. (7) Jo Jo Air had some trouble last time and might rebound today. (8) Change of Control will benefit from a quick pace. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-8.

6th race - (6) Voting Control has been absent for a while but recent works indicate he’s set for a top effort. (1) Morocco was hurt by a wide trip last time and may perk up against these. (7) Hierarchy got rolling too late time and merits another chance here. (2) Zumurudee should benefit from some time off and respond with a big effort. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-7.

8th race - (3) Club Car (B) had to wait for room on the turn and then settled for third. Can make amends here. (5) Crown Jewel won powerfully last time and will be dangerous if she turns in a similar try. (1) Ocean Breeze was an impressive maiden winner and cannot be ignored. (7) Golden Curl will welcome a return to a dirt surface. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5. Exactas: 3-5 over 1-7 and 1-7 over 3-5. Doubles: 1-3-5-7 with 1-3-6-10.

9th race – (6) Smooth With a Kick showed promise in her turf debut and should be able to handle this group. (3) Mission From Elle had a useful try after a lengthy layoff and can move forward in this spot. (1) Balon Rose will benefit from a rail trip. (10) Summer In Saratoga could shine in this spot. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-10.