Fair Grounds Horse Racing Picks for Friday, January 17, 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
4 4 Golden City 1.20 1 2-1
2 2 Secret Wine 6.00 2.4 4-1
8 8 Strummin Mary 5.00 5.8 11-1
3 3 Krafty Taffy 15.00 6.1 12-1
7 7 Diamond Country 15.00 6.1 12-1
9 9 Francesnfriends 10.00 6.7 13-1
5 5 Una Margarita 8.00 7.1 13-1
1 1 Mika Ella Pika 10.00 9 17-1
6 6 Austyn Jane 10.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Apriority Avenger 4.00 1 2-1
8 8 Jackson D 3.00 1.6 3-1
4 4 Native Star 3.50 2.2 4-1
7 7 Harpes Hill 12.00 4.2 8-1
1 1 Chief Kimosabi 20.00 SCRATCH
10 10 Putthehammerdown 6.00 5 9-1
2 2 Its Wild Again 6.00 5.2 10-1
9 9 Itellyouthefacts 20.00 7 13-1
3 3 Stone Alliance 20.00 7.1 13-1
6 6 Go Brother Go 10.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Bettera 3.50 1 2-1
2 2 Sir Pistolero 8.00 2.1 4-1
6 6 Billy’s Got Issues 5.00 4 7-1
9 9 Coin Miner 6.00 4.7 9-1
4 4 Gotta Keep Him 12.00 4.9 9-1
7 7 Last Attack 6.00 5.9 11-1
16 16 Guile 6.00 6.2 12-1
1 1 You’re On Mute 8.00 6.5 12-1
13 13 High Ransom 20.00 6.6 12-1
15 15 B Wayne 8.00 7.7 15-1
12 12 Skalkaho 12.00 9.9 19-1
11 11 Dapper Dude 12.00 SCRATCH
14 14 Max Is G Money 10.00 SCRATCH
3 3 D Day Reunion 6.00 SCRATCH
10 10 If I Were You 8.00 SCRATCH
5 5 Sovereigns Joy 4.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Saint Peter’s Bay 2.50 1 2-1
2 2 Triple Trea 3.00 1.6 3-1
3 3 Beautiful Life 8.00 2.4 5-1
4 4 Cupid’s War 8.00 3.6 7-1
6 6 Flying Houdini 8.00 4.5 8-1
7 7 Great Runner 6.00 4.9 9-1
5 5 American City 3.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 The Paddock Pastor 4.50 1 2-1
2 2 Legitimate Target (GB) 3.50 2.2 4-1
7 7 Carthage Cajun 15.00 3.6 7-1
4 4 I’m Your Man 6.00 3.9 7-1
5 5 Red Road 6.00 5.3 10-1
1 1 Pico d’Oro 20.00 5.7 11-1
9 9 Sendero 10.00 5.8 11-1
10 10 Maasai Warrior 6.00 7.1 13-1
8 8 Lil Bro Coop 15.00 8.9 17-1
13 13 Caroom 5.00 SCRATCH
12 12 El Perfecto 12.00 SCRATCH
3 3 Man On Attack 4.00 SCRATCH
11 11 Righthere Rightnow 3.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 6 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Gin Gin 3.50 1 2-1
5 5 Amber Cascade 3.50 1.1 2-1
2 2 Lady Jeopardy 6.00 1.8 3-1
6 6 Silk 4.00 2.4 5-1
1 1 Ba Dee Yah 3.00 3.7 7-1
7 7 Cora’s Legacy 10.00 4 8-1
4 4 Madison Rae 10.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 7 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
La Reynita 0 0-1
12 12 Kissin Riches 6.00 1 2-1
6 6 Betty’s Dance 5.00 2 4-1
5 5 Hey Bertie 5.00 2.2 4-1
14 14 Bodacious Beauty 8.00 4.8 9-1
3 3 Tempting Eve 4.50 5.3 10-1
2 2 English Patience 15.00 5.5 10-1
9 9 La Reynita 15.00 5.7 11-1
7 7 Nancy Lynn 6.00 6 11-1
15 15 Classical Gas 12.00 10.2 19-1
1 1 Exington 8.00 SCRATCH
10 10 Funny Lady 8.00 SCRATCH
13 13 Don’t Blink 8.00 SCRATCH
16 16 Velvet Devil 12.00 SCRATCH
4 4 Menu Please (IRE) 6.00 SCRATCH
8 8 Elite Heat (GB) 3.00 SCRATCH
11 11 Cafe Con Leche 8.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
10 10 Gallant Star 4.00 1 2-1
4 4 Gypsy’s Soulmate 3.50 1.3 3-1
5 5 Knockalittlelouder 8.00 2.4 5-1
8 8 J B Gray 20.00 4.2 8-1
7 7 Drilling Report 12.00 5 9-1
6 6 Swift N Traffic 12.00 6.2 12-1
1 1 Juju Nineteen 20.00 6.2 12-1
3 3 Joey’s Game 4.50 6.4 12-1
9 9 Oak Hill Lg 6.00 SCRATCH
2 2 Hoosier 4.00 SCRATCH

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.