Churchill Downs Horse Racing Picks for Friday, June 12, 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
1 1 Uncle Evco 1.40 1 2-1
6 6 Magic Grant 4.00 2.3 4-1
5 5 Guns and Glory 5.00 2.5 5-1
2 2 Wish Carefully 6.00 2.9 5-1
4 4 Higginsville 8.00 3.7 7-1
3 3 Still a Soldier 3.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Joe’s Candy 3.50 1 2-1
4 4 Don’s Last Ride 3.00 2.7 5-1
5 5 Next Time 8.00 3.9 7-1
8 8 Cardinal Union 6.00 4.7 9-1
7 7 Major Mack 5.00 5.1 10-1
1 1 Lennie G 4.50 6.3 12-1
6 6 Bandstand 6.00 7 13-1
3 3 Golden Vale 20.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 3 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Lit Ship 1.80 1 2-1
7 7 Perfect Figure 3.00 2.6 5-1
4 4 More Galilady 6.00 6.5 12-1
5 5 Just a Minute 8.00 6.6 13-1
1 1 Tiz in Sight 10.00 6.8 13-1
8 8 Victor Valley 5.00 7.4 14-1
9 9 Color Comin’ In 20.00 8 15-1
2 2 Storm Cloud Rising 30.00 8 15-1
6 6 Miss Lonelle 12.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Prince of Broadway 3.50 1 2-1
1 1 Nightmare Fuel 3.00 2.2 4-1
4 4 Llamp 5.00 2.3 4-1
2 2 Heaven’s Bolt 6.00 3 6-1
3 3 Menkaure 4.50 3.9 7-1
6 6 Cold Case 10.00 4.8 9-1
5 5 Ducat 20.00 5.3 10-1
8 8 Final Shipman 6.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
9 9 War Ready 10.00 1 2-1
4 4 Grand Yaupon 4.50 1.5 3-1
6 6 Greenwell 4.00 2.6 5-1
1 1 Midnight Still 6.00 3.6 7-1
5 5 Balloteer 6.00 4.6 9-1
2 2 Mad Mo 15.00 5 9-1
10 10 Mo Misery 8.00 7.4 14-1
8 8 My Birthday Gift 15.00 8 15-1
7 7 Ditlihi 20.00 SCRATCH
3 3 Never Sleep 3.50 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Judge Davis 4.00 1 2-1
6 6 Smokey Mandate 10.00 2.9 5-1
2 2 Baby Max 3.50 3.4 6-1
8 8 Sea Singer (IRE) 8.00 4.1 8-1
1 1 Dance Some Mo 20.00 5.8 11-1
5 5 Britain’s Kitten 15.00 SCRATCH
7 7 Captain Choochies 5.00 SCRATCH
9 9 Adios Cole 10.00 SCRATCH
4 4 Reagan’s Wit 2.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 7 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 She’s Gotta Go 2.00 1 2-1
7 7 Whispering Charm 3.50 1.3 2-1
4 4 High Grace 10.00 1.6 3-1
5 5 Nola Louise 6.00 1.8 3-1
2 2 Cloud Number Nine 8.00 2.9 6-1
8 8 Command the Stars 4.50 3.8 7-1
6 6 Sweetbitters 8.00 3.8 7-1
9 9 Chiquita’s Way 30.00 7.1 13-1
3 3 Twice as Wise 15.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Perfect Audible 10.00 1 2-1
4 4 McFasty 8.00 2.1 4-1
2 2 Rochester 6.00 3.9 7-1
7 7 Impavido 2.50 4.2 8-1
6 6 Damascus Steel 12.00 4.4 8-1
9 9 Tripp’s Promise 3.50 4.8 9-1
5 5 Kid Twist 15.00 5.1 10-1
8 8 Join 4.00 5.9 11-1
1 1 Horsetron Supreme 20.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
9 9 Rational Theory 10.00 1 2-1
3 3 Twirling Claire 2.50 2.7 5-1
5 5 Something Stronger 4.50 3.3 6-1
4 4 Triskelion 3.50 3.8 7-1
10 10 Z Z’s 6.00 3.9 7-1
6 6 Sweet Surrender 15.00 5.3 10-1
7 7 Blushing Justice 12.00 5.6 11-1
1 1 Lilies N Paradise 20.00 5.7 11-1
2 2 Bourbon Notes 15.00 5.9 11-1
8 8 If If If 8.00 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.