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
4 4 Tia Lupe 3.50 1 2-1
7 7 Pleasing 4.00 2.2 4-1
3 3 Fly Farther 4.00 2.2 4-1
5 5 Mya Papaya 4.00 2.2 4-1
1 1 Iona McKinzie 5.00 4.6 9-1
6 6 Shining Away 5.00 4.6 9-1
2 2 Lolita J 6.00 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
8 8 Sweet Thirteen 3.50 1.4 3-1
5 5 Illy Simz 4.00 1.8 3-1
4 4 Ballybay Beauty 6.00 3.3 6-1
6 6 Little Bit O Storm 6.00 3.3 6-1
3 3 Spirit to Inspire 8.00 4.9 9-1
7 7 Great Fortune 8.00 4.9 9-1
2 2 Safecracker Sue 12.00 8 15-1

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 1.5 3-1
4 4 Sunday Slipper 4.00 1.5 3-1
2 2 Vino Bella 4.00 1.5 3-1
6 6 Skipper’s Ruby 4.50 1.9 4-1
7 7 Trapped 8.00 5.2 10-1
3 3 Cloud Number Nine 10.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
9 9 Cloud Without Rein 1.80 1 2-1
7 7 Highstakes Hustler 3.50 1.5 3-1
3 3 Dr. Niko 5.00 1.9 4-1
8 8 Byword 6.00 2.2 4-1
1 1 D Coldest 8.00 2.8 5-1
5 5 Storm Sniper 8.00 2.8 5-1
6 6 Willingness 12.00 3.9 7-1
4 4 Baby’s Last Dance 20.00 6.2 12-1
2 2 Homeland Messa 30.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 McGinnis 3.50 1 2-1
2 2 Royal Irish 4.50 1.4 3-1
5 5 Zun Reyder 5.00 1.6 3-1
8 8 Haulin Oats 5.00 1.6 3-1
6 6 Beach Invasion 6.00 1.9 4-1
7 7 A Long Time 8.00 2.7 5-1
10 10 Don Pablo 10.00 3.5 7-1
1 1 Roc and Ready Jo 12.00 4.2 8-1
9 9 Athletic Like 12.00 4.2 8-1
3 3 Max S 30.00 11 21-1
11 11 Classic Sensation 30.00 11 21-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 From Scratch 2.50 1 2-1
1 1 Kin to the Wicked 3.50 1.3 3-1
2 2 Two Jet 4.00 1.5 3-1
7 7 Dolly’s Guitar 4.00 1.5 3-1
6 6 Moonie Pie 4.00 1.5 3-1
3 3 Mikkisonthinice 12.00 4.3 8-1
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
9 9 Faye’s Gold 4.00 1 2-1
7 7 Daddario 5.00 1.4 3-1
8 8 Faithful Departed 5.00 1.4 3-1
5 5 Huck’s Agenda 6.00 1.8 3-1
10 10 Bartender 6.00 1.8 3-1
3 3 Amazing Lady 8.00 2.5 5-1
4 4 Honor Azteca 8.00 2.5 5-1
11 11 Clearly Authentic 8.00 2.5 5-1
2 2 Whiskey Business 10.00 3.3 6-1
6 6 Dakota Cam 20.00 7.2 14-1
1 1 American Taylor 30.00 11 21-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Iwannabeamachoman 3.00 1 2-1
5 5 Dixie Strong 3.50 1.3 2-1
6 6 Lewis Memorial 4.00 1.6 3-1
10 10 Toms Lucky Mo 8.00 3.9 7-1
11 11 Witchology 8.00 3.9 7-1
9 9 Iron Fortune 10.00 5.1 10-1
7 7 Andys Plan B 12.00 6.3 12-1
1 1 Louisiana Star 15.00 8.1 15-1
2 2 Zong’s Favor 20.00 11 21-1
8 8 Louisiana Bargain 20.00 11 21-1
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.