Fair Grounds Horse Racing Picks for Thursday, January 2, 2025

Below is a table for each race of the day. The table is ordered by our algorythmically calculated expected order of finish. Our program takes into account past performances, workout times, speed ratings, recency, and breeder/jockey data amoung other data points.

Using the “Expected” column, the lower number is better. When there is a clear lowest value, we like that horse best to win. In situations where many horses share low numbers, we like those horses equally well. If no horse is under 3, the results are less clear to us and bettors should examine the race more closely.

Using the “Value” column, we present the minimum payout we would recommend betting the particular horse. Look for higher-paying odds than those listed if you like that horse.

Scratches are notated and will be updated as available.

RACE NUMBER 1 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Basile 3.50 1 2-1
1 1 Buckskin Suzie 2.00 1.5 3-1
7 7 Masonetta 2.50 3.1 6-1
6 6 Becky’sgottahaveit 6.00 4.2 8-1
3 3 Tittle 12.00 5.7 11-1
4 4 Sir Sawyer 10.00 6.4 12-1
5 5 Kisses for Cooper 10.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Maximum Grace 2.50 1 2-1
2 2 Final Half 3.00 1.2 2-1
6 6 Beach Trippin 4.00 2.3 4-1
3 3 Dubaian Money 6.00 2.4 5-1
7 7 M L Brody’s Gem 6.00 3 6-1
4 4 Hint of Faith 12.00 4.1 8-1
8 8 Acesraisedthe Bar 12.00 6.1 12-1
5 5 Metallic Mischief 8.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
B Wayne 0 0-1
3 3 Puckster 3.50 1 2-1
2 2 B Wayne 1.40 2.2 4-1
6 6 Rayfield 8.00 2.8 5-1
1 1 Wabash 3.50 3.3 6-1
5 5 La Boucane 8.00 3.7 7-1
7 7 Connor Talkstrash 12.00 5.4 10-1
4 4 Shako 15.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Tonteria 3.50 1 2-1
3 3 Great Coolness 5.00 2.1 4-1
2 2 Check Me Out 3.00 2.2 4-1
7 7 Rebind 12.00 2.4 4-1
8 8 Single Shot 10.00 3.2 6-1
1 1 Cypress Gold 8.00 3.2 6-1
5 5 Party At Jays 12.00 5.1 10-1
10 10 Gordito Hermoso 6.00 5.1 10-1
9 9 Captivating Star 8.00 5.3 10-1
6 6 Josan 20.00 6.5 12-1
11 11 Petitfor 10.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Viola 8.00 1 2-1
2 2 Ervadean 2.50 3.3 6-1
1 1 Samarita 6.00 3.5 7-1
5 5 Justique 1.40 4.7 9-1
3 3 Huntress for Hire 3.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Classic Claire 3.50 1 2-1
2 2 Ms. Lilibet 6.00 3.1 6-1
6 6 Beads 6.00 4 8-1
3 3 Miss Harmonic 8.00 4.1 8-1
9 9 Talksalot 15.00 4.9 9-1
7 7 Spectacular Force 20.00 5.4 10-1
4 4 Mairsils First 20.00 5.5 10-1
5 5 Toasted Roll 2.50 SCRATCH
8 8 Leametatrainer 3.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 7 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Candy Lover 10.00 1 2-1
4 4 Aldora 5.00 4.6 9-1
2 2 Lord I Wonder 2.50 4.7 9-1
8 8 Easy Red 3.00 5.2 10-1
3 3 Blue Heavenly 6.00 6.3 12-1
1 1 My Ocho 20.00 7.1 13-1
5 5 Je Suis Rapide 15.00 7.7 15-1
7 7 Oh My Mia 4.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Dogwood Crossing 4.00 1 2-1
7 7 Tensas Camp Road 5.00 1.2 2-1
8 8 Blondate 8.00 2.6 5-1
5 5 Gold Thief 3.50 3 6-1
10 10 Uninspired 12.00 5.3 10-1
4 4 Mardi Gras Empire 6.00 5.7 11-1
12 12 Gem of a Storm 6.00 6.9 13-1
6 6 Iwannabeamachoman 12.00 6.9 13-1
2 2 Wayside Drive 12.00 7.3 14-1
1 1 A Passive Nobody 10.00 7.3 14-1
13 13 Sweet Talkin Slick 6.00 SCRATCH
11 11 Same Play 3.00 SCRATCH
9 9 Running Ragged 10.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 9 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Apriority Avenger 3.00 1 2-1
7 7 Top Priority 6.00 2.2 4-1
1 1 Shawn’s Solving 4.00 2.7 5-1
4 4 Harpes Hill 8.00 4.3 8-1
3 3 Maladjusted Misfit 6.00 4.6 9-1
6 6 Older and Wiser 3.50 5.2 10-1
2 2 Star Ready 8.00 5.6 11-1
8 8 Byathread 20.00 8 15-1

Picks are based on historical performance and match-up. Keep up to date on late scratches and other changes – those are not taken into consideration. Sports from the Basement provides no warranty on these suggestions and readers should make picks at their own risk.