Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 26

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Thursday, May 26, 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 –  (3) Henley’s Joy rallied belatedly for third in a longer race at Santa Anita. Might work out a better trip here. (6) Admission Office has been away since Feb. 2021 but will be dangerous if ready. (4) Fenwick Station might be tough to catch in a small field. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-6.

3rd race – (5) Mo Bonita is a daughter of Uncle Mo who seems ready for a strong showing in her debut. The (1) entry of Towhead and Les Bon Temps appears the main threat. (6) Catherine Blaze seems poised for a good effort in this spot. (2) Fun Money seems an interesting possibility. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5. Exactas: 1-5 over 2-6 and 2-6 over 1-5. Doubles: 1-2-5-6 with 5-6-7-9.

4th race – (6) Strong Embrace displayed a nice late kick in closing for second at Gulfstream. Should relish the added distance here. (7) Floris might perk up on turf. (5) Bella Conchita will welcome the shorter distance in this spot. (9) Hal’s Dream might be more competitive in a claimer. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-7-9.

6th race – (7) Invaluable makes her first start for Diodoro and merits top billing. (6) Frills seeks a fifth straight win and is definitely the one to fear. (1) Ancient Brown may appreciate a rail trip. (10) Dulcimer Dame might hang around and get a piece of the purse. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-7-10

8th race – (7) My Favorite Uncle (B) was hurt by a seven-wide rally last time and should get a better trip here. (2) Calipari drops into a claimer and could score at this level. (9) Big Redwhiteblue drops into a claimer after a lengthy but deserves attention. (10) Pudge Boy Palace will welcome the class relief in this spot. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-7-9-10.