Churchill Downs Horse Racing Picks for Thursday, May 14, 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 Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Cardio Cat 1.40 1 2-1
3 3 Juneau 3.50 2.1 4-1
7 7 Honky Tonk Girl 4.50 2.6 5-1
6 6 Baytown Ona 8.00 4.4 8-1
1 1 Spun Tight 8.00 4.4 8-1
5 5 By Grace 10.00 5.4 10-1
2 2 Lucky Lollipop 15.00 8 15-1
8 8 Lady Lux 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Global Sensation 3.00 1 2-1
10 10 Raising Kane 3.50 1.1 2-1
9 9 Martini Blu 4.00 1.2 2-1
7 7 Ready to Pounce 5.00 1.4 3-1
4 4 Derby Date 6.00 1.6 3-1
2 2 Be Here 8.00 2 4-1
6 6 Creek 12.00 2.7 5-1
5 5 Ready to Roll 15.00 3.3 6-1
1 1 Nip N Tuck 30.00 6.2 12-1
8 8 Ready Pursuit 50.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
9 9 Nilo’s Rose 3.00 1 2-1
8 8 Liuzza 3.50 1.2 2-1
5 5 Story Hour 4.50 1.7 3-1
6 6 Beira 5.00 1.9 4-1
7 7 Tiffany Twist 6.00 2.4 5-1
1 1 Sunset Harbour 8.00 3.4 6-1
3 3 Just an Opinion 10.00 4.3 8-1
2 2 Steampunk 15.00 6.7 13-1
4 4 Rosieontheriver 20.00 9 17-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Cut Throat 3.00 1 2-1
8 8 Crossfire 4.50 1.7 3-1
4 4 Beach Sandals 6.00 2.3 4-1
12 12 Bourbon Town 6.00 2.3 4-1
10 10 Munny Jack 6.00 2.3 4-1
7 7 Captain Luke 10.00 4.1 8-1
11 11 Bardstown Road 12.00 5 9-1
9 9 Goodbye to Romance 15.00 6.3 12-1
1 1 Rock Havoc 15.00 6.3 12-1
2 2 Take Charge Beach 20.00 8.6 16-1
5 5 Stazitto 20.00 8.6 16-1
3 3 Ali’s Glory 30.00 13 25-1
13 13 Fortune King 30.00 13 25-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Presider 3.50 1 2-1
3 3 Carcano 4.00 1.3 2-1
1 1 Royal Majesty (GB) 4.50 1.5 3-1
10 10 Westside Tide 6.00 2.3 4-1
9 9 Noble Confessor 8.00 3.4 6-1
2 2 Coiled 8.00 3.4 6-1
11 11 Freedom’s Way 10.00 4.4 8-1
15 15 Tapit Shoes 15.00 7.1 13-1
14 14 Harrow 20.00 9.7 18-1
13 13 Goldeneye 20.00 9.7 18-1
12 12 Clyde’s Got a Gun 20.00 9.7 18-1
8 8 Soleil Volant 20.00 9.7 18-1
7 7 The Hidden Chamber 20.00 9.7 18-1
6 6 End of Romance (IRE) 20.00 9.7 18-1
5 5 Daunt 30.00 15 28-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Curlin’s Malibu 2.50 1 2-1
8 8 Classic Car Wash 3.00 1.3 2-1
5 5 Inexorable 4.50 2.1 4-1
3 3 Keen Cat 5.00 2.4 5-1
7 7 Badge of War 6.00 3 6-1
4 4 Carolo Rapido 10.00 5.2 10-1
2 2 Hurry Hurry 12.00 6.3 12-1
6 6 House United 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Fourth Dimension 1.80 1 2-1
1 1 Coalmoon 3.00 1.4 3-1
5 5 Render Judgment 3.50 1.6 3-1
4 4 Fountain Run 5.00 2.1 4-1
3 3 Fear of Union 6.00 2.4 4-1
2 2 Master Controller 10.00 3.7 7-1
6 6 Sixtyseven Mustang 20.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Twirling Claire 2.50 1 2-1
13 13 Conquering Marin (IRE) 3.50 1.6 3-1
4 4 Prosecco Gal 4.50 2.1 4-1
9 9 Newsrelease 5.00 2.4 4-1
11 11 Spare Me 6.00 2.9 5-1
2 2 Redhawk Riddler 6.00 2.9 5-1
14 14 Belle Amour 8.00 4 8-1
12 12 Retrospective 12.00 6.2 12-1
5 5 Vivianite 15.00 7.8 15-1
16 16 Sweettalkingwoman 20.00 10.6 20-1
7 7 Princess Julie 20.00 10.6 20-1
6 6 Cardiff Reef 20.00 10.6 20-1
8 8 Poverty With Aview 30.00 16 30-1
10 10 Sheer Jazz 30.00 16 30-1
15 15 Fraud Alert 30.00 16 30-1
1 1 Amazon Time 30.00 16 30-1

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.