Aqueduct Horse Racing Picks for Friday, February 20, 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
5 5 Raghba 1.00 1 2-1
1 1 Trango Tower 4.00 2 4-1
2 2 Dimensionality 3.00 2.1 4-1
4 4 Pay the Bills (FR) 30.00 4.4 8-1
3 3 Inefficiency 2.50 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Ice Shot 2.00 1 2-1
4 4 Antietam 1.80 1 2-1
2 2 Shellac 3.50 1.2 2-1
6 6 Klimt Master 30.00 4.1 8-1
1 1 Mr R T 20.00 4.5 9-1
3 3 Restless Renegade 2.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Fever Night 2.50 1 2-1
6 6 Maldini 4.50 1.4 3-1
1 1 Whitby 5.00 1.7 3-1
5 5 Come to Papa 3.50 2.3 4-1
4 4 Carlin Contention 20.00 5.4 10-1
2 2 Apalta 1.60 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Six Kings 6.00 1 2-1
5 5 Laughing Boy 1.00 1.2 2-1
3 3 Flat On 1.40 2 4-1
2 2 Eric From Miami 8.00 3.8 7-1
1 1 Nobodyridesforfree 20.00 4.2 8-1
4 4 Commandperformance 15.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Mitolegayne 3.00 1 2-1
2 2 Two Ducks 4.00 1.2 2-1
4 4 Waitin’onasunnyday 6.00 1.4 3-1
7 7 Bold Love 8.00 2 4-1
6 6 Trapping Hands 12.00 3.9 7-1
5 5 Frankie Coffeecake 1.60 SCRATCH
3 3 Final Joke 8.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Coquito 1.60 1 2-1
2 2 Patty Cakes 4.00 1 2-1
6 6 Floge 10.00 3.2 6-1
1 1 My First Love 5.00 3.3 6-1
7 7 Brooklyn Dantz 20.00 5.1 10-1
5 5 Troubled Luck 30.00 5.2 10-1
4 4 Curlin’s Magic 1.80 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 7 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Graceful Rose 4.50 1 2-1
7 7 I’m Kidding 3.50 1.3 3-1
4 4 Undergrad 2.00 1.5 3-1
2 2 Cloudy Chance 4.00 2.6 5-1
5 5 Twirling Lulu 6.00 3.2 6-1
3 3 Sabby Sunset 8.00 6.6 12-1
6 6 Fifi La Fume 10.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Forgone 2.50 1 2-1
3 3 Senegal 4.00 2.5 5-1
5 5 Mo Kreesa 8.00 3.3 6-1
2 2 E Z Bourbon 8.00 4.8 9-1
4 4 Toga Dan 3.00 5.4 10-1
1 1 Oath of Omerta 10.00 6.3 12-1
7 7 Romeo Void 3.50 7 13-1

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.