Churchill Downs Horse Racing Picks for Sunday, April 26, 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 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Nogradi 1.80 1 2-1
6 6 Cant Stop Munnings 3.50 2.2 4-1
3 3 Different Gravy 4.50 3 6-1
2 2 Bourbon Flight 5.00 3.3 6-1
1 1 C McGriff 6.00 4.1 8-1
7 7 Six String Prince 8.00 5.5 10-1
4 4 Midway Munny 10.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Cardio Cat 3.00 1 2-1
8 8 She’s Toasty 4.00 1.4 3-1
5 5 Go New York Go 4.50 1.6 3-1
6 6 Valkyrie 5.00 1.7 3-1
9 9 Lady Lux 6.00 2.1 4-1
2 2 Storm Diva 8.00 2.9 5-1
4 4 Youhadme At Merlot 12.00 4.3 8-1
1 1 Respected Mind 20.00 7.3 14-1
3 3 Rebelka 20.00 7.3 14-1
11 11 Angel Life 30.00 11 21-1
10 10 Powerful Rose 30.00 11 21-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
10 10 State Charmer 3.00 1 2-1
1 1 Juanita Mychiquita 4.00 1.5 3-1
8 8 Will Believe 4.50 1.8 3-1
7 7 Gladly 5.00 2.1 4-1
9 9 Flashy Aviator 6.00 2.6 5-1
2 2 Rocky World 10.00 4.7 9-1
3 3 Baby Hello 12.00 5.8 11-1
4 4 Betty Who 15.00 7.4 14-1
6 6 High Grace 15.00 7.4 14-1
5 5 Ladies Love Cash 20.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Epic Summer 1.60 1 2-1
5 5 Mischief Mania 3.50 1.7 3-1
7 7 Kid Twist 4.50 2.1 4-1
1 1 Nuck Chorris 5.00 2.3 4-1
6 6 Sonic Surge 8.00 3.4 6-1
4 4 Perfect Audible 10.00 4.2 8-1
2 2 Versed 15.00 6.1 12-1
3 3 Coal Fired 20.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Calling On Heaven 1.40 1 2-1
6 6 Impavido 3.50 1.7 3-1
7 7 Next Time 4.50 2 4-1
10 10 Grab the Spark 6.00 2.5 5-1
2 2 Richeztoo 8.00 3.1 6-1
8 8 Blazing 15.00 5.3 10-1
4 4 Orville’s Map 20.00 6.9 13-1
5 5 Big Nelson 30.00 10 19-1
9 9 Cause Ima Boss 30.00 10 19-1
1 1 Dress Good 30.00 10 19-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Run Curtis Run 3.00 1 2-1
8 8 Step Forward 3.50 1.3 2-1
2 2 Autodrive 4.00 1.6 3-1
1 1 Golden Afternoon 4.50 1.9 4-1
4 4 Amoudi Bay 5.00 2.2 4-1
7 7 Sine Qua Non 8.00 3.9 7-1
6 6 T Kraft 10.00 5.1 10-1
5 5 Alder 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Sweet Bebsi 1.60 1 2-1
3 3 Ride the Broom 3.50 1.6 3-1
9 9 Loving Mischief 4.50 1.9 4-1
10 10 Waffle House Gang 6.00 2.4 5-1
5 5 Mo Indian Lady 12.00 4.3 8-1
2 2 I’m a Cookie Lover 15.00 5.3 10-1
8 8 Mamarsha 15.00 5.3 10-1
6 6 B D’s Angel 20.00 6.8 13-1
7 7 Sound the Siren 20.00 6.8 13-1
1 1 Zafyre 30.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Stompin Grapes 1.80 1 2-1
3 3 Tiernanogue 3.50 1.5 3-1
8 8 Direct Strike 4.50 1.8 3-1
1 1 King of Heat 6.00 2.2 4-1
9 9 Silver Shot 6.00 2.2 4-1
6 6 Sartorial 8.00 2.8 5-1
7 7 Prayer 20.00 6.2 12-1
4 4 Still Sober 20.00 6.2 12-1
5 5 In America 30.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Brilliantly 3.00 1 2-1
1 1 Midway Memories 4.00 1.2 2-1
5 5 Snipsnippitysnip 4.50 1.3 2-1
9 9 Faithful Departed 5.00 1.4 3-1
10 10 Totally Justified 6.00 1.6 3-1
7 7 Plaza Athenee (GB) 8.00 2.1 4-1
4 4 Olivia Valentina 10.00 2.5 5-1
2 2 Humbled 12.00 2.9 5-1
8 8 Salty Senorita 20.00 4.6 9-1
11 11 French Mistress 30.00 6.7 13-1
6 6 Red Beretta 50.00 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.