Fair Grounds Horse Racing Picks for Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Below is a table for each race of the day. The table is ordered by our algorythmically calculated expected order of finish. Our program takes into account past performances, workout times, speed ratings, recency, and breeder/jockey data amoung other data points.

Using the “Expected” column, the lower number is better. When there is a clear lowest value, we like that horse best to win. In situations where many horses share low numbers, we like those horses equally well. If no horse is under 3, the results are less clear to us and bettors should examine the race more closely.

Using the “Value” column, we present the minimum payout we would recommend betting the particular horse. Look for higher-paying odds than those listed if you like that horse.

Scratches are notated and will be updated as available.

RACE NUMBER 1 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Remi 1.60 1 2-1
3 3 Musical Band 2.00 1.6 3-1
5 5 Alwaysfreaky 15.00 2.7 5-1
6 6 Rescue Squad 15.00 3.5 7-1
1 1 Seize the Win 12.00 3.6 7-1
2 2 My Boy J 15.00 4.6 9-1
7 7 Top Notch Protocol 2.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 2 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Mister Banderas 1.40 1 2-1
6 6 Hesper 4.50 1.7 3-1
3 3 Starry Eyed 6.00 1.8 3-1
2 2 Classical Knight 10.00 2.1 4-1
4 4 Achromedoutcat 8.00 2.7 5-1
7 7 Yankeestrolgy 8.00 3.1 6-1
1 1 Wholelottadeal 3.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 3 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Canal Street 1.40 1 2-1
5 5 Sweet Alexis 3.50 1.8 3-1
6 6 Pickin Ana Grinnin 8.00 3.3 6-1
3 3 Hopeitsmyluckyday 8.00 4.8 9-1
1 1 Pasila 8.00 5.8 11-1
7 7 Jus Makes Cents 20.00 5.8 11-1
4 4 Cool Lucky Lady 4.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Citatus 4.50 1 2-1
7 7 Road Trippin 6.00 1.3 2-1
3 3 Cool Customer 8.00 2 4-1
4 4 Good Willie 10.00 3.5 7-1
9 9 Taterpie 8.00 3.7 7-1
5 5 Mount Vernon 3.00 4.1 8-1
1 1 Swerve 15.00 4.1 8-1
8 8 Jarrett 3.50 4.3 8-1
6 6 Li Grand Zombi 12.00 5.2 10-1
10 10 Maximum Effort 4.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Optional Claiming) – Maiden Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Fake Smart 3.00 1 2-1
3 3 Props 4.50 2 4-1
5 5 Flash of Chaos 2.00 2 4-1
1 1 Twenty Two Black 4.00 2.8 5-1
4 4 Street Party 8.00 4.4 8-1
7 7 Chasing Gray 8.00 4.9 9-1
2 2 Sunset Skip 30.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Ontario 3.50 1 2-1
6 6 Exclusive Star 3.00 1.7 3-1
1 1 Sy B 3.50 1.7 3-1
7 7 Competitive Threat (IRE) 10.00 3 6-1
3 3 Malibu Smart 10.00 3.4 6-1
9 9 Channel Check (GB) 6.00 6.2 12-1
4 4 Queen Wilhelmina 15.00 6.4 12-1
10 10 Super Stormy 30.00 6.7 13-1
2 2 Saint Nancy S 15.00 SCRATCH
8 8 Sheila’s Lion 12.00 SCRATCH
11 11 La Reynita 8.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 7 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Lady Law 4.50 1 2-1
5 5 Abilene 3.00 1.8 3-1
3 3 Tap to Open 4.00 2.2 4-1
2 2 Love and Trust 3.50 2.6 5-1
4 4 Pure Joy 6.00 3 6-1
6 6 Tiffany Cross 8.00 6.2 12-1
8 8 Countess 10.00 7.4 14-1
7 7 Sister Jean 12.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Mardi Gras S.) – Mardi Gras S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Lotsandlotsofcandy 2.00 1 2-1
5 5 Civetta 6.00 3.1 6-1
6 6 Shining Star (CHI) 2.50 3.3 6-1
2 2 Gavea (GER) 8.00 4.2 8-1
1 1 Big Trouble 4.50 4.7 9-1
3 3 Twirl Around 12.00 6.7 13-1
4 4 Serving Time (GB) 8.00 7 13-1
9 9 Party Pauline 20.00 8.8 17-1
8 8 Annie’s Joy 50.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
9 9 A Hint of Scandel 3.50 1 2-1
5 5 I Got the Hint 3.00 3.4 6-1
1 1 Bad Joke 10.00 3.5 7-1
2 2 Von Erich 8.00 3.8 7-1
8 8 Dirty Straight Up 4.50 4.1 8-1
7 7 A G’s Charlie 20.00 7.4 14-1
3 3 My Touch 4.00 7.9 15-1
4 4 A Lotta Shance 12.00 8.9 17-1
6 6 Bee Aurelius 20.00 9.7 18-1
10 10 Fortysvenforthewin 15.00 10 19-1

Picks are based on historical performance and match-up. Keep up to date on late scratches and other changes – those are not taken into consideration. Sports from the Basement provides no warranty on these suggestions and readers should make picks at their own risk.