Churchill Downs Picks & Predictions — May 8, 2026
Here's our expert breakdown of today's 9-race card at Churchill Downs. We've identified 3 standout races with strong plays — see our analysis below. Full card picks for all 9 races are available to TrackWiz subscribers.
Best Bets
Race 1
2026-05-08T16:46:00Claiming · 1 1/16 mi · Dirt
Clear separation at the top of the rating board — Gypsan looks standout with daylight to the rest.
Tops the TrackWiz rating board at 80.5 for Race 1. Ridden by Jose L. Ortiz, trained by Joe Sharp. For past year, Jockey has a 25% win rate and finished in the money in 60% of races. For past year, Jockey & Trainer Combo has a 22% win rate and finished in the money in 49% of races. 5 wins and placed in 10 of 18 races on Dirt tracks. Has placed in the last 2 races. Has placed in 4 of the last 6 races. Ranked 1st in workouts over last month at 11.75 sec/furlong. Has WON 2 races in a row! Horse won last time it raced. 03/22/2026.
Rating board at 72.2. Ridden by Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.. Ranked 2nd for recent race speed at 12.74 sec/furlong. 4 wins and placed in 12 of 24 races on Dirt tracks.
Rating board at 31.9. Ridden by Alex Achard. Has placed in the last 2 races.
Race 2
2026-05-08T17:17:09Claiming · 1 1/16 mi · Dirt
Clear separation at the top of the rating board — Aubrey's Max looks standout with daylight to the rest.
Tops the TrackWiz rating board at 71.1 for Race 2. Career win rate of 33% shows consistency. Ridden by Ben Curtis, trained by Lacy Pierce. For past year, Jockey has a 18% win rate and finished in the money in 47% of races. Claiming Price Decreased from $20000 to $16000.
Rating board at 17.3. Ridden by Jaime A. Torres. Horse won last time raced at today's surface/distance.
Race 3
2026-05-08T17:43:00Claiming · 7 fur · Dirt
Clear separation at the top of the rating board — Mister Banderas looks standout with daylight to the rest.
Tops the TrackWiz rating board at 84.4 for Race 3. Ridden by Jose L. Ortiz, trained by Kinnon LaRose. Ranked 3rd for recent race speed at 12.20 sec/furlong. For past year, Jockey has a 25% win rate and finished in the money in 60% of races. 2 wins and placed in 8 of 14 races on Dirt tracks. Has placed in 5 of the last 6 races. Jockey & Horse combo has a 25% win rate and finished in the money in 60% of races. Ranked 2nd in workouts over last month at 12.00 sec/furlong.
Rating board at 82.7 • 28% career wins. Ridden by Jareth Loveberry. For past year, Jockey has a 18% win rate and finished in the money in 52% of races. 2 wins and placed in 4 of 6 races on Dirt tracks.
Rating board at 57.5. Ridden by Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.. Ranked 2nd for recent race speed at 12.19 sec/furlong. Has placed in the last 4 races.
Our top picks for today focus on races with clear edges in speed figures, trainer form, and track bias. These are the spots where we see the most value on the board.
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Good luck at Churchill Downs today! Remember to check back for live odds updates and follow us for real-time picks throughout the card. Subscribe to TrackWiz for full access to every race at every track.