Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Churchill Downs – Racing News and Analysis for September 24, 2026


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Churchill Downs – Thursday, September 24, 2026

Fast dirt, firm turf expected; no significant post bias detected, pace and trip are the primary factors today. Flashy Aviator (4) scratched Race 1, Platinum Power (7) scratched Race 8.

Race 1 — Dirt Route | Maiden $20,000 | Purse $48,000

Prosecco Gal (5) is the clear top choice with the field-shaping scratch of Flashy Aviator (4) removing her main rival. Deceiving Diva (1) saves ground from the rail and is a strong secondary play, with Bullet Baby (2) likely to set a manageable pace. No true bombs remain, but Motown Sound (6) offers mild longshot appeal if the top two are overbet.

Race 2 — Dirt Sprint | Maiden $100,000 | Purse $72,000

THATS A BENJAMIN (2) is the consensus top choice with elite connections and a clean gate setup. Nucleotide (4) stalks effectively from mid-pack and is the preferred secondary, with By La Rina (6) as a third option tracking outside. Black Magic River (3) is the main longshot and a must-use in deeper trifecta tickets if the chalk gets overplayed.

Race 3 — Turf Route | Allowance $134,000 | Purse $134,000

Dagmara (5) is the top choice out of a strong barn, capable of a sustained mid-pack run into the lane. Struck At Midnight (6) has tactical speed and a premier rider, making her the clear secondary, while Spin A Tune (2) could control a soft tempo and prove tough to catch. Amazing Lady (1) and Essential Lady (4) are worth framing underneath at potential overlay prices.

Race 4 — Dirt Sprint | Claiming $50,000 | Purse $76,000

Booray (2) fits perfectly at the level with aggressive connections and is the win selection. Mr Gerson (3) is a close second off strong claiming placement skills, and MR FETE (6) rounds out the primary trio stalking just outside. Jacks Shot (7) is the longshot to add if an outside bias emerges during the card.

Race 5 — Dirt Sprint | Maiden $150,000 | Purse $75,000

Magical Mikel (2) tops a competitive field of well-bred youngsters, with a flexible gate position and top-shelf connections. Borax (5) is the preferred secondary off a strong maiden program, with Nashville Cowboy (3) as an alternative pace threat. Grand Opry (9) is a fringe longshot worth sprinkling underneath given the rider-return motivation angle.

Race 6 — Turf Route | Optional Claiming $100,000 | Purse $141,000

Johny's Rendezvous (3) gets the nod as the top choice with a premier trainer-jockey pairing and a ground-saving draw. Baby Max (1) commands the rail and is a close secondary, with Yinzer (2) rounding out the front-line contenders. Pierre (6) and Versus (7) are longshot considerations for deeper exotics if the price is right.

Race 7 — Dirt Sprint | Claiming $50,000 | Purse $78,000

Vital Mind (5) is the one to beat with a powerhouse connections combination at a level that suits. Attersee (7) is the top secondary sitting just outside the speed for a decisive late move, while Evan On Earth (6) rounds out the primary trio. Ravens Dream (8) is a sneaky longshot as the Asmussen stablemate who could be set up to close if the pace gets hot.

Race 8 — Turf Route | Maiden Special Weight | Purse $120,000 (PLATINUM POWER (7) scratched)

Circadian (12) is the top choice in a wide-open field, capable of a mid-pack to late rally on turf. Take Charge Beach (8) and Quigley (9) are the preferred secondaries with workable draws and stalking styles. Okarito (1), Mined That Gold (10), and Sweeten The Pot (11) are all live longshots worth including underneath in trifectas and superfectas given the field size and maiden uncertainty.

Before wagering, check the Latest Race Scratches, Changes, and Conditions post for any last-minute scratches or race changes.


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