Churchill Downs Hotlist - May 28

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Saturday, May 28, 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) Beachwalker won in his first start after the Asmussen claim and can make it two in a row here. (2) Starrininmydreams may perk up in a claimer. (3) Blue Jays is worth a look off the Hartman claim. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4.

4th race – (5) Maven tired after a six-month layoff but should be tougher here off that effort. (6) Totally Boss has been away for nearly a year but is working forwardly for this. (8) Country Final may benefit from a switch to turf. (3) Oceanic could be tough to catch in this spot. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-8.

6th race – (3) Naval Officer makes his first start after the Maker claim and cannot be ignored. (6) Lunar Rocket was third in his last two starts and belongs in the exotics. (12) Taffin rallied belatedly in his debut and can move forward here. (2) C J All the Way was a good third last time and has been working nicely since then. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-12.

8th race – (3) Ridley’s Major (C) was bet down from 5-2 to 9-5 and settled for third. Might appreciate a switch to dirt. (1) Bon Bueno didn’t care for slop but should be fine on a dry track. (10) Pioneering Spirit should also be well-suited by a fast track and the addition of blinkers. (12) Scotland Yard may be quick enough to get position and offset the outside post. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-10-12.

10th race – (8) Luck Money was a distant second to a tough rival in a NY graded stakes. Should welcome an easier assignment here. (5) Federal Papers won at this distance last time and will be a main threat. (1) Stand Tall will benefit from a rail trip, especially at this distance. (2) Disappearing Act can make his presence felt here. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-8.