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Churchill Downs Horse Racing Picks for Sunday, May 31, 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 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Aerate 1.80 1 2-1
4 4 Shadow Coast 2.50 1.3 3-1
1 1 Moroder 4.00 2.1 4-1
5 5 Gallo de Fuego 4.50 2.3 4-1
6 6 League of Legends 6.00 3.1 6-1
3 3 Homie 12.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Quinn’s Promise 1.80 1 2-1
3 3 Don’t Be Salty 3.00 1.6 3-1
6 6 Belle Ofthe Dance 4.00 2 4-1
4 4 Fermi 4.50 2.2 4-1
5 5 Galatina 6.00 2.9 5-1
7 7 State Charmer 10.00 4.7 9-1
2 2 Fresh Out 15.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Il Cavallino 1.80 1 2-1
2 2 Fast Joker 3.50 1.8 3-1
3 3 Stefan’s Title 4.00 2 4-1
4 4 Whiskey Shot 4.50 2.2 4-1
5 5 Romantic Lead 6.00 2.9 5-1
1 1 Hardtoblame 8.00 3.8 7-1
7 7 Bagg O Time 15.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Lord Majesty 2.50 1 2-1
7 7 Bebedouro 3.00 1.2 2-1
8 8 Top Gun Tommy 4.00 1.6 3-1
4 4 Upturned Brim 4.50 1.8 3-1
3 3 Forty Love 6.00 2.4 5-1
5 5 Sawyer Fox 10.00 4 8-1
6 6 Raising Kane 12.00 4.8 9-1
1 1 Illini 20.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Baytown Bruiser 1.80 1 2-1
4 4 Guardian 2.50 1.3 3-1
3 3 Admiral Hall 3.50 1.8 3-1
5 5 Truly Legit 4.00 2.1 4-1
2 2 You Ain’t Poppn 6.00 3.1 6-1
6 6 Versed 12.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Carson 3.50 1 2-1
9 9 Vino Dominus 4.50 1.4 3-1
11 11 Whatever 5.00 1.6 3-1
10 10 Tims 6.00 2 4-1
5 5 Paired 8.00 2.9 5-1
3 3 Mountain Grandeur 10.00 3.7 7-1
12 12 Chasing Gray 10.00 3.7 7-1
2 2 Punkin Boy 12.00 4.5 9-1
7 7 Turn and Run 15.00 5.8 11-1
6 6 Big Nelson 20.00 7.9 15-1
8 8 Spring St. Dreamer 20.00 7.9 15-1
4 4 Tlahuicole 30.00 12 23-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Beach Heist 2.00 1 2-1
6 6 Sapphire Beach (IRE) 2.50 1.3 2-1
7 7 Mony Mony 4.00 2.1 4-1
3 3 Should’ve 6.00 3.2 6-1
8 8 Secret Hideaway (IRE) 8.00 4.2 8-1
2 2 Omaha Bay 12.00 6.4 12-1
5 5 Snow Face Princess 12.00 6.4 12-1
4 4 Snappy Comeback 15.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
11 11 Campobasso 4.00 1 2-1
10 10 Study 5.00 1.7 3-1
2 2 McCann 6.00 2.4 4-1
4 4 Hawkeye State 6.00 2.4 4-1
7 7 Civic Charm 8.00 3.8 7-1
9 9 Gadget Play 8.00 3.8 7-1
5 5 Native Brew 10.00 5.1 10-1
8 8 Delancey Street 12.00 6.5 12-1
3 3 Impractical 15.00 8.6 16-1
1 1 Max Is Him 15.00 8.6 16-1
12 12 Interrogator 15.00 8.6 16-1
6 6 Bigtimetimmyjim 20.00 12 23-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Rebel Instinct 3.00 1 2-1
6 6 Memory 4.00 1.7 3-1
2 2 Gun Range 4.50 2.1 4-1
11 11 Prize Pick 6.00 3.1 6-1
8 8 Noble Affair 10.00 5.9 11-1
5 5 Envision 12.00 7.4 14-1
12 12 J J Grey 12.00 7.4 14-1
10 10 I Did I Did 15.00 9.5 18-1
13 13 Volendam 15.00 9.5 18-1
1 1 Lighter 15.00 9.5 18-1
9 9 Biloba 20.00 13 25-1
3 3 Western Warrior 20.00 13 25-1
7 7 Blue Forty Two 20.00 13 25-1

RACE NUMBER 10 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
11 11 Happy Prince 2.50 1 2-1
2 2 Both Sides of Bad 4.00 1.9 4-1
9 9 Fly Guy Mick 6.00 3.2 6-1
1 1 Timestream 8.00 4.5 8-1
12 12 McKinsense 10.00 5.7 11-1
6 6 Barracks 10.00 5.7 11-1
4 4 Culture War 12.00 7 13-1
5 5 Champagne Liberal 15.00 8.9 17-1
3 3 Thespian 15.00 8.9 17-1
7 7 Power of Will 20.00 12 23-1
10 10 Hill Country 20.00 12 23-1
8 8 West of East Texas 20.00 12 23-1

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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