Aqueduct Horse Racing Picks for Thursday, April 2, 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 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Victory Way 1.80 1 2-1
1 1 El Grande O 3.00 1.4 3-1
3 3 Breslau 10.00 SCRATCH
4 4 Acoustic Ave 4.00 SCRATCH
2 2 Full Moon Madness 1.60 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Always Angels 2.00 1 2-1
4 4 Short Shift 4.00 2.3 4-1
1 1 Proud Foot 3.50 2.9 6-1
2 2 Beira 2.50 2.9 6-1
5 5 Curlin’s Magic 6.00 4.2 8-1
6 6 A Maize Zing Dotie 10.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Grace Reformed 3.00 1 2-1
3 3 Devils Arrow 2.00 1.6 3-1
1 1 Tower Twenty Two 3.50 1.8 3-1
6 6 Hello Beauty 3.50 2.9 5-1
5 5 Mathea 5.00 3.8 7-1
4 4 Last Glory 10.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Noguchi 1.80 1 2-1
4 4 Good Cop 2.50 1.4 3-1
7 7 Cat Fast 4.00 2.4 4-1
3 3 Powered by Coal 6.00 2.4 5-1
6 6 Beck’s Dreamer 10.00 3.2 6-1
5 5 Charlie Hustle 15.00 4.6 9-1
1 1 Swedish Candy 30.00 SCRATCH
8 8 Always Packen 8.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Heavenly Light 3.00 1 2-1
3 3 Undergrad 4.50 2 4-1
4 4 Irish Jackson 1.60 2.9 5-1
6 6 Tahila 8.00 3.5 7-1
1 1 Timia 4.00 4.9 9-1
2 2 Sabby Sunset 12.00 6.9 13-1
7 7 Calling an Audible 12.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 New York Scrappy 2.50 1 2-1
5 5 Capt Jax Parrow 6.00 1.5 3-1
3 3 Smilensaycheese 4.00 2.6 5-1
8 8 Solo Dancing 10.00 3 6-1
7 7 Oath of Omerta 3.00 4.8 9-1
1 1 Resilient Hero 6.00 4.8 9-1
4 4 Three Little Birds 8.00 SCRATCH
2 2 Sociably Johnny 15.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Baron of Sealand 2.00 1 2-1
6 6 Shadow Dragon 1.80 1.7 3-1
5 5 Three B’s 5.00 2.7 5-1
7 7 Alan Turing 4.00 3 6-1
8 8 Jackson Heights 10.00 3.7 7-1
4 4 Sanzio 15.00 4.8 9-1
1 1 Dolly’s Bank 30.00 5.7 11-1
3 3 Rock the Weekend 20.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 I’m Kidding 4.00 1 2-1
5 5 Mo Attitude 4.50 1.2 2-1
3 3 Rare Society 4.00 1.3 3-1
4 4 Oklahoma Smoke 5.00 3.8 7-1
1 1 St. Brigid’s Cross 3.50 4.8 9-1
8 8 Twirling Lulu 6.00 5.1 10-1
7 7 Saucy Six 15.00 6.2 12-1
2 2 Doppio Espresso 8.00 8 15-1

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.