Churchill Downs Hotlist - June 4

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Saturday, June 4, 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) Chocolate Bar didn’t fire last time but has been working sharply and should rebound with a winning effort in a claimer. (1) Winter Pool drops into a claimer and can be the main rival. (3) Big Lake might be a factor at this level. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4.

3rd race – (6) Colorful Mischief (A) had a troubled, wide trip in her debut and should make amends in this spot. (3) Overcooked was a game second in her debut and looks like the one to fear. (4) Summer Mate will appreciate the turnback in distance. (7) Gunning could be a threat in her debut. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-7.

5th race – (3) McKulick (B) was a game second in a stakes last time and should prevail over this group. (2) Beside Herself has speed and could be tough to catch here. (1) Walkathon may emerge as a threat from the rail. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3.

7th race – (5) Pauline’s Pearl exits a solid win in a Grade 1 stakes and deserves top billing here. (3) Ava’s Grace was third behind the top pick and should be a main threat. (4) Army Wife makes her 2022 debut but has plenty of back class. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5.

10th race – (6) Scalding seeks a fifth straight win and should be formidable in this field. (8) Americanrevolution won a Grade 1 stakes last time out but hasn’t raced in seven months and might need a start. (1) Proxy is quite consistent and belongs in the exotics. (2) Super Stock seems ready for a top effort. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-8.