Kentucky Derby Contender Picks for April 26th, According to Mike Somich

Here's the rewritten version of the article:

Churchill Downs Picks for Saturday, April 26

Saturday's excitement isn't just about the Kentucky Derby draw - there are still some races to catch from Churchill Downs' opening day!

Race #7 - Sneaky Value in Long-Distance Maiden Special

A surprise finds maidens stretching out to a mile and a quarter: some tasty odds could be up for grabs! Let's dive into a handful of contenders:

#2 Plaza Cue has already explored two-turn races in each of his starts, displaying a hunger for longer distances. He's got the speed to lead from the get-go, and breaking the maiden at this span is no small feat for yet-to-win horses.

#4 Churning Berni has obtained sixteen chances to taste victory without success. But switching trainers to the esteemed David Jacobson stable might breathe fresh life into him. He could be ripe for a second-time win.

#1 Antonia's Flowers is saddled by Joe Sharp's barn and looks primed to conquer the added distance. The promising colt will be raced by top jockey Luiz Saez.

#5 Kiss Me Again has displayed an ability to close strongly at shorter distances, and this extended race could offer him just the boost he needs. Switching back to the dirt surface also bodes well.

Top Picks: 2-4-1-5The Play: $50 Win on #2 Plaza Cue

Race #9 - High-Octane Sprint Action

This card's highlight event is an invigorating six-furlong sprint featuring aspirational horses:

#2 Sandy Bottom has always led from the gate and seems poised to do so again. With little competition on speed this time, jockey Joel Rosario is expected to break from the gates and control the race from start to finish.

#6 Harbor Springs appears poised to make its stakes debut following back-to-back wins. It stays close to the pace and has the ability to outdash its opponents when given the opportunity.

#7 Girls Weekend is quick enough to press Sandy Bottom and has the potential to pounce on any signs of weakness.

#8 Mink's Palace, heading back from a layoff, could be an intriguing long shot. She's been competitive at this level, but a strong pace is vital for her to seal the deal late in the race.

Top Picks: 2-6-7-8The Wager: $50 Win on #2 Sandy Bottom

Exploring Further

Race data for Race #7 on April 26 is limited but reveals the event to be a maiden special weight for fillies and mares over a mile and a quarter with a $92,000 purse.

Some noteworthy horses in different races include Hoodlum (5/4f) and Metatron's Muse (3/1) in Race 1[1][3], but specifics for the aforementioned horses in Race #7 are still to be found. It's crucial to cross-check data on official race charts or specialized databases. The Churchill Downs Spring Meet condition book provides racing rules but does not list individual horse histories[5].

[1] Hoodlum looked strong in its last outing - Kentucky Derby Contenders

[3] Metatron's Muse targets the Kentucky Derby with a strong performance - Churchill Downs

[5] Churchill Downs Spring Meet condition book - racing rules and race types

For Race #7, some tasty odds could be on the table as maidens stretch out to a mile and a quarter in a long-distance maiden special, with #2 Plaza Cue, #4 Churning Berni, #1 Antonia's Flowers, and #5 Kiss Me Again as potential contenders.
In the high-octane sprint action of Race #9, the highlight event, #2 Sandy Bottom, with Joel Rosario on board, is expected to lead from the gate and control the race from start to finish.
Cross-checking data on official race charts or specialized databases is crucial, as race data for Race #7 on April 26 is limited, revealing it to be a maiden special weight for fillies and mares over a mile and a quarter with a $92,000 purse.
Some noteworthy horses in different races include Hoodlum (5/4f) and Metatron's Muse (3/1) in Race 1, but specifics for the horses in Race #7 are still to be found.