Churchill Downs Horse Racing Picks for Wednesday, September 18, 2024

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
All West 0 0-1
7 7 Sir Ollie 3.50 1 2-1
2 2 Good Juju 4.50 3.4 6-1
6 6 Santa Cruiser 5.00 3.5 7-1
4 4 All West 5.00 4 8-1
1 1 Improbable Story 15.00 5.3 10-1
5 5 Burninhunkoflove 4.00 SCRATCH
3 3 Appeal Denied 3.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Tanmancan 3.50 1 2-1
1 1 Jammin Justice 15.00 2.1 4-1
6 6 Brazen Boy 3.00 3 6-1
2 2 Air Cav 2.50 3.4 6-1
5 5 Double Your Money 8.00 4.2 8-1
8 8 Arthur 8.00 4.4 8-1
4 4 Protege 5.00 5 9-1
3 3 Untroubled 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Curlins Incharge 4.50 1 2-1
2 2 Kolomio 5.00 2.3 4-1
4 4 Summer in Aiken 4.00 2.9 5-1
3 3 Sixwillberich 10.00 3.1 6-1
6 6 Long Crow 6.00 4.1 8-1
7 7 Mad Adam 3.50 5.9 11-1
8 8 Iceatude 2.50 6.2 12-1
1 1 Star Nation 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Six Kings 3.00 1 2-1
2 2 Moving to Kentucky 3.50 1.8 3-1
3 3 Vincita 4.00 2.5 5-1
4 4 Gotta Have Dreams 20.00 2.8 5-1
1 1 Photo Op 10.00 3.8 7-1
7 7 Rocket Night 15.00 5.2 10-1
10 10 Ultimate Strike 15.00 6.4 12-1
6 6 Dancing Noah 20.00 7.2 14-1
9 9 In the Numbers 20.00 7.7 15-1
5 5 Higginsville 2.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Sound Doctrine 3.00 1 2-1
6 6 Prints Money 6.00 2.7 5-1
3 3 Quarrymen 12.00 3.3 6-1
5 5 Midnight Ambition 3.50 3.4 6-1
4 4 El Gunner 8.00 3.5 7-1
9 9 Alilnalot 8.00 3.5 7-1
1 1 Fore Flag 6.00 3.6 7-1
2 2 Stunnem 20.00 6.8 13-1
8 8 Refuah 4.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 6 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Pure Panic 3.00 1 2-1
4 4 Global Sensation 2.00 2 4-1
2 2 Got Thunder 5.00 2.5 5-1
7 7 Tallahatchiebridge 8.00 2.9 5-1
8 8 Solidify 10.00 4.6 9-1
1 1 Beyond Best 12.00 4.7 9-1
5 5 Timeless Bounty 8.00 5.1 10-1
3 3 Regal Rey 8.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 7 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Little Blaze 2.00 1 2-1
3 3 Sombra Dorada 5.00 2.8 5-1
2 2 Sister Kisses 2.50 3.6 7-1
5 5 Crazy Cami 6.00 3.9 7-1
1 1 Nursekringledances 4.50 4.2 8-1
4 4 Candy Lover 10.00 6.1 12-1
7 7 Idalou 12.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Billal 3.00 1 2-1
10 10 Save the Trees 3.50 3.2 6-1
8 8 How’s Ur Attitude 15.00 3.2 6-1
1 1 Barksdale 5.00 3.3 6-1
6 6 Market Street 15.00 3.4 6-1
4 4 Normandy Hero 12.00 3.4 6-1
5 5 Mr Skylight 5.00 3.9 7-1
3 3 Finster 12.00 5.1 10-1
2 2 Banjo Chris 15.00 6.7 13-1
9 9 Pure Force 4.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 9 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
9 9 Optical 3.50 1 2-1
11 11 Reb 5.00 4 7-1
1 1 Golden Ice 8.00 6.9 13-1
8 8 G. Erik 4.00 7.6 14-1
5 5 Real Conviction 15.00 7.8 15-1
4 4 Out of the Clouds 12.00 8.1 15-1
10 10 Ky Do Declare 5.00 8.8 17-1
2 2 Desperate Proposal 10.00 9.2 17-1
7 7 Deputy A. P. 12.00 9.9 19-1
6 6 Il Marchesse 15.00 10.9 21-1
3 3 Dual Income 12.00 11 21-1

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.