Keeneland Horse Racing Picks for Friday, April 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 Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Buckeye Bombshell 1.40 1 2-1
3 3 Starwood 2.00 1.3 2-1
1 1 Olympic Star 4.50 2.4 4-1
5 5 Howyoudosomething 6.00 3 6-1
6 6 Watershed Moment 8.00 3.9 7-1
7 7 Tiz Laws Hall 10.00 4.8 9-1
2 2 She’s Gotta Go 15.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Horsing Around 2.00 1 2-1
3 3 Starship Godiva 3.00 1.4 3-1
5 5 Sutura 4.00 1.8 3-1
4 4 Smokin Hot Stuff 6.00 2.6 5-1
1 1 Cat Island 8.00 3.3 6-1
7 7 Maxi Maxi 10.00 4.1 8-1
8 8 Endless Glory 15.00 6.1 11-1
6 6 Naukarezza 20.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Senza Parole 1.20 1 2-1
5 5 Yes It Tiz 3.00 1.5 3-1
2 2 Queen Azteca 3.50 1.6 3-1
6 6 Cat’s Cave 4.50 1.9 4-1
1 1 Table Flirt 8.00 2.8 5-1
4 4 Peak Popularity 20.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Mighty Nora 2.00 1 2-1
6 6 Grace of Monaco 3.50 1.4 3-1
3 3 Lunar Loop 4.00 1.6 3-1
7 7 Weetamoo 6.00 2.1 4-1
2 2 Noroomformischief 6.00 2.1 4-1
5 5 Good Graces 8.00 2.7 5-1
9 9 Debby’s Gal 12.00 3.9 7-1
4 4 Tiz a Princess 15.00 4.7 9-1
8 8 Donna Strada 30.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Murdock 3.00 1 2-1
10 10 Innate (IRE) 3.50 1.3 2-1
7 7 Pivotal Moment 4.00 1.5 3-1
9 9 Longshoreman 6.00 2.6 5-1
8 8 Jimmy Rules 8.00 3.7 7-1
2 2 Ambitiously 8.00 3.7 7-1
4 4 Snare 12.00 5.8 11-1
5 5 Expressway 15.00 7.4 14-1
1 1 Military Cruiser 20.00 10 19-1
6 6 Utopian 20.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Bold Journey 1.60 1 2-1
3 3 American Monarch 2.50 1.7 3-1
4 4 Little Ni 3.00 2.1 4-1
5 5 Normandy Coast 6.00 4.4 8-1
1 1 Durante 8.00 6 11-1
6 6 Illuminare 8.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Next Up 1.20 1 2-1
2 2 Thatsalrightmama 3.50 1.6 3-1
3 3 Dozen Diamonds 6.00 2.3 4-1
8 8 Surprenant Cocca 8.00 2.9 5-1
4 4 Latte Lizzie 10.00 3.4 7-1
5 5 Scribble 12.00 4 8-1
7 7 Cara Felce 15.00 4.8 9-1
9 9 Champagne Nights 20.00 6.2 12-1
6 6 Mint Driven 30.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Beer Run 2.50 1 2-1
10 10 Unitas 3.50 1.3 3-1
7 7 Double Talker 4.00 1.5 3-1
1 1 Atlal 4.50 1.7 3-1
6 6 Strate Cash 8.00 2.8 5-1
2 2 Razorcat 12.00 4.1 8-1
5 5 Moon Sniper 20.00 6.7 13-1
9 9 Uncle Bucky 20.00 6.7 13-1
8 8 Big Garry 30.00 10 19-1
4 4 Frontier Justice 30.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Baird Doubledogdare S.) – Baird Doubledogdare S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Gin Gin 2.00 1 2-1
1 1 Alpine Princess 2.50 1.2 2-1
6 6 Running Away 4.00 1.8 3-1
3 3 Eunomia 4.50 2 4-1
7 7 Peignoir 10.00 4.1 8-1
8 8 Chilled 15.00 6.1 11-1
2 2 Aye Candy 20.00 8 15-1
5 5 Ourdaydreaminggirl 20.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 10 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 She Wants War 2.50 1 2-1
2 2 Fool’s Adventure 3.00 1.2 2-1
5 5 Amani’s Music 3.50 1.5 3-1
7 7 Twirling Claire 4.50 2 4-1
8 8 Toast the Star 12.00 5.5 10-1
9 9 Swirling Seas 15.00 6.9 13-1
6 6 Heitzgirl 15.00 6.9 13-1
10 10 Poverty With Aview 20.00 9.3 18-1
4 4 Army Chic 20.00 9.3 18-1
14 14 New Rose 20.00 9.3 18-1
1 1 Loriebeth 30.00 14 26-1
11 11 Whiskey Serenade 30.00 14 26-1
12 12 Sheer Jazz 30.00 14 26-1
13 13 La Puma 30.00 14 26-1

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.