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Churchill Downs Horse Racing Picks for Saturday, May 16, 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) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Should’ve 2.50 1 2-1
2 2 She Wants War 3.50 1.6 3-1
11 11 Secret Hideaway (IRE) 4.50 2.1 4-1
8 8 Rojo Rita 8.00 4 8-1
3 3 Grade A 10.00 5.1 10-1
13 13 If If If 10.00 5.1 10-1
10 10 Something Stronger 12.00 6.2 12-1
15 15 Cotillard 15.00 7.8 15-1
12 12 Stepping Stones 15.00 7.8 15-1
9 9 Just a Minute 15.00 7.8 15-1
7 7 Lilies N Paradise 15.00 7.8 15-1
16 16 Jerseys Parade 20.00 10.6 20-1
6 6 J Z’s Last Schance 20.00 10.6 20-1
1 1 Viva Vienne 20.00 10.6 20-1
14 14 Bourbon Notes 20.00 10.6 20-1
5 5 Miss Lonelle 30.00 16 30-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
11 11 Movie Night 1.80 1 2-1
4 4 Teatonic 4.50 2.1 4-1
7 7 Audra 6.00 2.6 5-1
5 5 Winning Matters 8.00 3.4 6-1
3 3 Poise 8.00 3.4 6-1
9 9 Headspin 12.00 5 9-1
2 2 Epic Proud Mary 15.00 6.2 12-1
10 10 Lockdownyourtown 15.00 6.2 12-1
12 12 Thirteen Roses 20.00 8.1 15-1
1 1 Anesty 20.00 8.1 15-1
6 6 Angel From Marin 20.00 8.1 15-1
8 8 Fashion Quest 30.00 12 23-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Couldyoubeloved 1.60 1 2-1
3 3 Little Dixie 2.50 1.3 3-1
5 5 Wits and Wagers 3.50 1.7 3-1
4 4 Mint Driven 4.50 2.1 4-1
1 1 Fourfiftyseven 12.00 4.9 9-1
2 2 Fasta Lavista Baby 15.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Dr. Agne 3.50 1 2-1
4 4 Sharons Pharoah 4.00 1.3 2-1
7 7 Chambersville 5.00 1.8 3-1
8 8 Patrol Squad Six 6.00 2.4 4-1
10 10 Doctrine 6.00 2.4 4-1
6 6 Winter Holiday 8.00 3.5 7-1
1 1 Da Prince Is Right 10.00 4.6 9-1
5 5 Brave Force 12.00 5.6 11-1
9 9 Six O Clock 12.00 5.6 11-1
2 2 Mischief Ride 20.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Tiger’s Legacy 2.00 1 2-1
3 3 Cool Cowboy 3.00 1.5 3-1
5 5 Colonel Caliente 3.50 1.8 3-1
4 4 Shadow Coast 4.00 2 4-1
1 1 Slider 6.00 3 6-1
2 2 League of Legends 12.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 In the Stars 4.00 1 2-1
6 6 For Love and Honor 4.50 1.1 2-1
1 1 She’s Lookin Lucky 5.00 1.2 2-1
12 12 Smiling Ellie 6.00 1.5 3-1
2 2 Miwa (GB) 6.00 1.5 3-1
7 7 Long Ago (GB) 6.00 1.5 3-1
8 8 Bourbon Memory 12.00 2.9 5-1
5 5 Paynt Ya Later 15.00 3.6 7-1
3 3 Shotgun Wedding 15.00 3.6 7-1
9 9 Settling Storm 20.00 4.8 9-1
11 11 She’s All Charm 30.00 7.2 14-1
10 10 La Marinera 50.00 12 23-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Sartorial 1.60 1 2-1
1 1 Paul’s Recovery 3.00 1.5 3-1
3 3 Pelican Bay 4.00 1.8 3-1
7 7 Champagne Liberal 4.50 2 4-1
2 2 King Lee 10.00 3.7 7-1
5 5 Prince J J 15.00 5.4 10-1
4 4 Ur Benja 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Louisville S.) – Louisville S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Burnham Square 0.40 1 2-1
2 2 Echo Lane 4.00 1.6 3-1
1 1 Anegada 6.00 2 4-1
5 5 Dancin in Da’nile 12.00 3 6-1
6 6 Vote No 20.00 4.3 8-1
4 4 Freedom’s Way 30.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
13 13 Hymn 3.50 1 2-1
6 6 Money Supply 4.00 1.4 3-1
3 3 Kalahari Dreams 5.00 2.2 4-1
8 8 Can’t Hush This 6.00 3 6-1
2 2 Two Eagles River 6.00 3 6-1
4 4 Keewaydin 6.00 3 6-1
5 5 Track Phantom 8.00 4.6 9-1
12 12 Accretive 10.00 6.1 12-1
14 14 Dive Bomber 12.00 7.7 15-1
9 9 Keep It Easy 12.00 7.7 15-1
10 10 Goodasiwonswas 15.00 10.1 19-1
1 1 I’m McDreamy 20.00 14 26-1
7 7 I Got Game 20.00 14 26-1
11 11 Ganaas 20.00 14 26-1

RACE NUMBER 10 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
9 9 McAfee 1.40 1 2-1
8 8 Big Gain 3.00 1.5 3-1
1 1 Bourbon Flight 6.00 2.5 5-1
7 7 Non Conforming 8.00 3.1 6-1
2 2 Legitimate 12.00 4.3 8-1
4 4 Spirit of a Walkon 12.00 4.3 8-1
10 10 Googol Joke 15.00 5.3 10-1
6 6 Thrilla 15.00 5.3 10-1
3 3 Global Quote 30.00 10 19-1
5 5 Midway Munny 30.00 10 19-1

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.

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