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
6 6 Cant Stop Munnings 3.50 1 2-1
5 5 Nogradi 1.80 4.2 8-1
2 2 Bourbon Flight 5.00 4.4 8-1
3 3 Different Gravy 4.50 5.8 11-1
7 7 Six String Prince 8.00 5.9 11-1
4 4 Midway Munny 10.00 6.4 12-1
1 1 C McGriff 6.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Respected Mind 20.00 1 2-1
2 2 Storm Diva 8.00 1.8 3-1
5 5 Go New York Go 4.50 2.5 5-1
7 7 Cardio Cat 3.00 2.6 5-1
11 11 Angel Life 30.00 2.7 5-1
6 6 Valkyrie 5.00 4.4 8-1
10 10 Powerful Rose 30.00 7.4 14-1
8 8 She’s Toasty 4.00 SCRATCH
3 3 Rebelka 20.00 SCRATCH
4 4 Youhadme At Merlot 12.00 SCRATCH
9 9 Lady Lux 6.00 SCRATCH

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
2 2 Rocky World 10.00 1 2-1
6 6 High Grace 15.00 2.2 4-1
8 8 Will Believe 4.50 4.4 8-1
5 5 Ladies Love Cash 20.00 4.4 8-1
3 3 Baby Hello 12.00 4.4 8-1
4 4 Betty Who 15.00 4.7 9-1
9 9 Flashy Aviator 6.00 4.8 9-1
7 7 Gladly 5.00 SCRATCH
1 1 Juanita Mychiquita 4.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Kid Twist 4.50 1 2-1
4 4 Perfect Audible 10.00 1.2 2-1
8 8 Epic Summer 1.60 1.8 3-1
5 5 Mischief Mania 3.50 3 6-1
3 3 Coal Fired 20.00 3.4 6-1
2 2 Versed 15.00 3.6 7-1
1 1 Nuck Chorris 5.00 SCRATCH
6 6 Sonic Surge 8.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Calling On Heaven 1.40 SCRATCH
6 6 Impavido 3.50 3.7 7-1
8 8 Blazing 15.00 4.3 8-1
2 2 Richeztoo 8.00 4.9 9-1
4 4 Orville’s Map 20.00 5.5 10-1
10 10 Grab the Spark 6.00 5.5 10-1
5 5 Big Nelson 30.00 6.2 12-1
9 9 Cause Ima Boss 30.00 6.6 12-1
1 1 Dress Good 30.00 6.9 13-1
7 7 Next Time 4.50 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Golden Afternoon 4.50 1 2-1
3 3 Run Curtis Run 3.00 1.5 3-1
2 2 Autodrive 4.00 1.7 3-1
8 8 Step Forward 3.50 3.3 6-1
7 7 Sine Qua Non 8.00 3.5 7-1
6 6 T Kraft 10.00 4.4 8-1
5 5 Alder 15.00 7.5 14-1
4 4 Amoudi Bay 5.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Mo Indian Lady 12.00 1 2-1
4 4 Sweet Bebsi 1.60 2.7 5-1
3 3 Ride the Broom 3.50 4.3 8-1
2 2 I’m a Cookie Lover 15.00 5.4 10-1
7 7 Sound the Siren 20.00 5.7 11-1
6 6 B D’s Angel 20.00 6.1 12-1
8 8 Mamarsha 15.00 7 13-1
10 10 Waffle House Gang 6.00 SCRATCH
1 1 Zafyre 30.00 SCRATCH
9 9 Loving Mischief 4.50 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Direct Strike 4.50 1 2-1
3 3 Tiernanogue 3.50 1.2 2-1
9 9 Silver Shot 6.00 1.7 3-1
2 2 Stompin Grapes 1.80 2.3 4-1
6 6 Sartorial 8.00 2.7 5-1
7 7 Prayer 20.00 3.4 6-1
1 1 King of Heat 6.00 4.3 8-1
4 4 Still Sober 20.00 4.8 9-1
5 5 In America 30.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 9 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Plaza Athenee (GB) 8.00 1 2-1
5 5 Snipsnippitysnip 4.50 2.4 4-1
3 3 Brilliantly 3.00 2.7 5-1
1 1 Midway Memories 4.00 4.5 9-1
8 8 Salty Senorita 20.00 6 11-1
2 2 Humbled 12.00 6.2 12-1
4 4 Olivia Valentina 10.00 6.3 12-1
9 9 Faithful Departed 5.00 6.7 13-1
6 6 Red Beretta 50.00 8.1 15-1
11 11 French Mistress 30.00 SCRATCH
10 10 Totally Justified 6.00 SCRATCH

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.