Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Churchill Downs – Racing News and Analysis for April 26, 2026


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Churchill Downs — Sunday, April 26, 2026

Derby Week opens on a fast main track with firm turf expected. Inside posts favor route runners on dirt; tactical speed rates on the lawn. Jose Ortiz and Tyler Gaffalione are the jockeys to follow all card.

Race 1 — Allowance, 1 1/16M Dirt

Nogradi (5) is the top choice stalking into a one-turn setup with the meet's hottest rider. Cant Stop Munnings (6) controls the pace from outside and steals if unchallenged. Bourbon Flight (2) is a ground-saving exacta piece at 5-1.

Race 2 — Maiden Special Weight, 6F Dirt (Fillies)

Cardio Cat (7) gets the most powerful trainer-jockey combination in the race and fits the stalking profile perfectly. She's Toasty (8) is a well-prepared alternative at equal or slightly longer odds. Go New York Go (5) controls if the pace sets up softly.

Race 3 — Maiden Claiming $20,000, 9F Dirt (Fillies/Mares)

State Charmer (10) has the class edge with a top rider in a field of modest maiden claimers. Will Believe (8) is a credible stalk-and-pounce threat at 4-1. Flashy Aviator (9) offers minor value at 6-1.

Race 4 — Claiming $40,000, 1 3/16M Dirt

Epic Summer (8) is the logical closer atop a field that should set up a fast early pace. Mischief Mania (5) is the primary danger with a top rider from a mid-gate position. Nuck Chorris (1) saves ground throughout from the rail and is a prime exacta underneath.

Race 5 — Maiden Claiming $12,500, 6F Dirt

Calling On Heaven (3) is the bet of the day — even money signals a massive class advantage and the connections are dominant at this level. Impavido (6) is the only logical alternative with a legitimate barn behind it. Grab The Spark (10) is worth noting at 6-1 with a top rider at a generous price.

Race 6 — Optional Claiming $100,000, 7.5F Turf

Run Curtis Run (3) gets the ideal tactical position with one of the top turf riders in the country. Golden Afternoon (1) is dangerous from the rail if allowed a soft lead. T Kraft (6) is the value play of the card at 10-1 from a Hall of Fame barn that ships only when ready.

Race 7 — Claiming $16,000, 6F Dirt (Fillies/Mares)

Sweet Bebsi (4) is a clear standout with dominant connections at this modest level. Ride The Broom (3) presses from inside and steals if the pace collapses. Waffle House Gang (10) has closing credentials and mild exotic appeal at 6-1.

Race 8 — Maiden Special Weight, 1 3/8M Dirt

Stompin Grapes (2) is the morning-line favorite from a barn with the highest win percentage at this track. Direct Strike (8) is the most compelling betting angle — a Cox-Ortiz combination at 4-1 in a $120,000 maiden is not an accident. Tiernanogue (3) fills the trifecta from a top North American turf-and-route barn.

Race 9 — Allowance, 1 1/16M Turf (Fillies/Mares)

Brilliantly (3) arrives from a barn at peak Derby Week conditioning with a powerful finishing rider from a clean outside position. Midway Memories (1) is arguably the most dangerous horse in the race — the dominant North American turf barn ships a single entry to the rail, and that combination wins at an extraordinary rate. Faithful Departed (9) closes strongly on turf at 5-1 and rounds out the exacta and Pick 4 structure.

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


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