Fair Grounds Horse Racing Picks for Friday, February 27, 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 Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Mya Papaya 4.00 1 2-1
7 7 Pleasing 4.00 1.9 4-1
2 2 Lolita J 6.00 2.7 5-1
3 3 Fly Farther 4.00 3.9 7-1
4 4 Tia Lupe 3.50 5.3 10-1
1 1 Iona McKinzie 5.00 6.1 12-1
6 6 Shining Away 5.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Cheyenne Moon 3.00 1 2-1
3 3 Spirit to Inspire 8.00 1.7 3-1
4 4 Ballybay Beauty 6.00 1.9 3-1
6 6 Little Bit O Storm 6.00 2.6 5-1
7 7 Great Fortune 8.00 3.9 7-1
2 2 Safecracker Sue 12.00 4.1 8-1
5 5 Illy Simz 4.00 4.5 8-1
8 8 Sweet Thirteen 3.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Gus’s Gal 3.50 1 2-1
5 5 Classical Gas 4.00 1 2-1
7 7 Trapped 8.00 1.9 4-1
3 3 Cloud Number Nine 10.00 2.6 5-1
2 2 Vino Bella 4.00 3.4 6-1
6 6 Skipper’s Ruby 4.50 3.6 7-1
4 4 Sunday Slipper 4.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Highstakes Hustler 3.50 1 2-1
5 5 Storm Sniper 8.00 1.6 3-1
3 3 Dr. Niko 5.00 1.9 4-1
1 1 D Coldest 8.00 2.6 5-1
6 6 Willingness 12.00 3.5 7-1
8 8 Byword 6.00 4.5 9-1
2 2 Homeland Messa 30.00 SCRATCH
9 9 Cloud Without Rein 1.80 SCRATCH
4 4 Baby’s Last Dance 20.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Beach Invasion 6.00 1 2-1
7 7 A Long Time 8.00 3.1 6-1
3 3 Max S 30.00 3.3 6-1
10 10 Don Pablo 10.00 4.2 8-1
8 8 Haulin Oats 5.00 5.4 10-1
11 11 Classic Sensation 30.00 5.5 10-1
4 4 McGinnis 3.50 SCRATCH
2 2 Royal Irish 4.50 SCRATCH
5 5 Zun Reyder 5.00 SCRATCH
1 1 Roc and Ready Jo 12.00 SCRATCH
9 9 Athletic Like 12.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 6 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Kin to the Wicked 3.50 1 2-1
4 4 From Scratch 2.50 2.5 5-1
6 6 Moonie Pie 4.00 2.7 5-1
2 2 Two Jet 4.00 3.2 6-1
7 7 Dolly’s Guitar 4.00 3.7 7-1
3 3 Mikkisonthinice 12.00 6.6 12-1
5 5 F J’s Chaos 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Starter Optional Claiming) – Starter Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
10 10 Bartender 6.00 1 2-1
5 5 Huck’s Agenda 6.00 1.1 2-1
2 2 Whiskey Business 10.00 2 4-1
9 9 Faye’s Gold 4.00 2.4 5-1
11 11 Clearly Authentic 8.00 2.7 5-1
4 4 Honor Azteca 8.00 3.2 6-1
1 1 American Taylor 30.00 4.3 8-1
3 3 Amazing Lady 8.00 4.9 9-1
7 7 Daddario 5.00 SCRATCH
6 6 Dakota Cam 20.00 SCRATCH
8 8 Faithful Departed 5.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Dixie Strong 3.50 1 2-1
3 3 Iwannabeamachoman 3.00 2.4 5-1
6 6 Lewis Memorial 4.00 2.9 5-1
11 11 Witchology 8.00 3.4 6-1
9 9 Iron Fortune 10.00 4 7-1
2 2 Zong’s Favor 20.00 4.4 8-1
8 8 Louisiana Bargain 20.00 5 10-1
10 10 Toms Lucky Mo 8.00 5.2 10-1
7 7 Andys Plan B 12.00 5.2 10-1
1 1 Louisiana Star 15.00 7.4 14-1
4 4 Bellastone Country 20.00 11 21-1

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.