Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Churchill Downs – Racing News and Analysis for September 23, 2026


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Churchill Downs — Tuesday, September 23, 2026

Fast main track, firm turf, low-70s with light southwest wind — ideal conditions across the board. Moderate speed bias on dirt favors inside posts in routes; early speed holds on the firm turf course.

Race 1

My King Air (5) is the logical top choice from a strong post with elite rider. Problem Solved (2) is the main threat if the stablemate dynamic creates pace complications. Hodl Hard (1) is a secondary factor best used underneath in exotics.

Race 2

Laughnowcrylater (3) is the clear top choice from a clean post in a six-horse field. Culprit (1) is the main alternative at a fair price. Suited And Booted (4) rounds out exotic coverage at a workable price.

Race 3

Doctor Jeff (1) gets the nod from the rail with the top rider in a chaotic nine-horse field. Social Hour (2) presses from an excellent post and is the most likely exacta companion. Lucky Shot (6) is the value play at 4-1 worth including in trifectas, with Miacomet (9) as a deep closer to stash underneath.

Race 4

Proctor Phantom (1) is the top selection from the rail in what could be a lone-speed scenario. Hesper (7) at 5-1 is the best value on the card in this race — the rider booking implies a live chance at an artificially low price. Tiger's Legacy (6) and Halfway Joking (3) round out trifecta coverage.

Race 5

Passage Du Desir (8) gets the top nod in a chaotic 13-horse field based on trainer-rider strength. Soul Of The Night (9) is the stablemate to box alongside at 5-1, with an exacta combining the two offering strong potential return. She's Toasty (11) at 6-1 and Devious Lady (6) are the best alternatives, with Putnam Market (12) worth a small superfecta inclusion despite the wide draw.

Race 6

Tetiaroa (3) is a clear top choice and a banker in all exotics — this is a race to build around rather than beat. Revel Toast (5) at 4-1 is the most credible alternative and the most likely exacta companion. Just Do Believe (4) rounds out trifecta construction.

Race 7

Gut Reaction (3) gets a slight edge over co-favorite When I Go (7) based on post position alone — both are legitimate and should be boxed. My Birthday Gift (8) at 4-1 is real value underneath and deserves straight win consideration if either favorite drifts. My Boy Gary (5) at 8-1 is worth including in trifectas given the connections.

Race 8

Pagode (9) is the feature banker and top selection. The best value play on the entire card is Memory (3) at 8-1 — a straight win bet at that price is strongly recommended alongside keying both horses on top in exactas. Penalty Box (5) is the third wheel, with Stellenbosch (10) and Gamblers Tail (4) worth small trifecta inclusion given their respective connections.

Race 9

Rockfest (9) is the morning line choice in a wide-open turf closer. Outofpi (5) and Justone More Thing (6) are the top alternatives and should be boxed alongside the favorite. Tonys Kingdom (7) at 6-1 is the pace angle worth adding underneath — if this one gets loose on a firm course, wire-to-wire form at that price is a genuine overlay.

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


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