Churchill Downs Tip Sheet - June 12

Today’s Churchill Downs Hot List races to watch
Sunday, June 12, 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.

2nd race –  (5) Pretty Birdie (B) was a game second in a graded stakes and looks best here. (2) Wicked Halo was third behind the top pick and should be the main rival. (4) Sweet as Pie could be a stretch threat. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5.

4^th race – (7) Boxing Day weakened after making a strong move into contention. Could work out a winning trip here. (10) J. L.’s Rockette was claimed by Eric Reed who claimed Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike. Is definitely worth a look here. (8) Mun Luv should welcome a return to turf. (4) Margie’s Kitchen will appreciate some class relief after running in a stakes . Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-7-8-10. Doubles: 4-7-8-10 with 1-2-3.

5th race – (3) The Mary Rose comes off a strong gate to wire win and can make it two in a row here. (1) W W Fitzy missed by a neck and should be the main rival once again.  (2) Misty Veil beat W W Fitzy last time and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3.

7th race – (1) Escape Route comes off a second and was claimed by Diodoro. Rates top billing in this field. (5) Verb might wake up with a turf to dirt switch. (6) Bagboss could be tough to catch in this spot. (10) Much Better can make his presence felt here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-10.

9th race – (2) Portfolio Company has been racing in graded stakes and has a class edge while adding Lasix. (3) Royal Spirit should bounce back to top form on turf. (5) Britain’s Kitten missed by a nose and cannot be overlooked. The (1) entry of St. Andrews and MTO Barossa merits attention. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-5.