Fair Grounds Horse Racing Picks for Friday, December 26, 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 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Dr. Niko 2.00 1 2-1
4 4 Kinsman Redeemer 2.50 1.6 3-1
2 2 Itzcoatl 6.00 3.3 6-1
5 5 Red Moscato 4.50 3.9 7-1
6 6 Storm Strategy 10.00 4.4 8-1
7 7 Donegal Dreamer 4.50 4.6 9-1
3 3 Homeland Messa 30.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Jojo Bean 1.80 1 2-1
3 3 Box of Pictures 10.00 2.7 5-1
4 4 Jus Press Star 10.00 2.9 5-1
1 1 Rusty’s Sunrise 8.00 3.9 7-1
6 6 In B. J.’s Honor 6.00 4.1 8-1
5 5 Lightofmaine 8.00 4.3 8-1
8 8 Jus Evelyn 4.50 4.3 8-1
7 7 Swamp Queen 4.00 4.9 9-1
9 9 Kalil 2.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Special Sauce 1.80 1 2-1
1 1 Queen of Queens 4.00 2.3 4-1
5 5 Summers With Sonya 6.00 3.2 6-1
3 3 Maddie’s Garden 3.00 3.5 7-1
2 2 Authentic Angel 8.00 4.1 8-1
4 4 Miamante 8.00 4.5 8-1
6 6 Great Owl 12.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Precious Money 3.00 1 2-1
3 3 The Pretty Sister 2.50 2.2 4-1
5 5 Sacred Saint 6.00 4 8-1
4 4 Kentucky Cajun 6.00 4.3 8-1
2 2 Congrats Cadet 4.00 5.6 11-1
6 6 Thundering Desire 6.00 6 11-1
7 7 Lulu’s Magic 8.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 E Lion 6.00 1 2-1
2 2 Consecrated 8.00 1.9 4-1
9 9 Battle Drum (FR) 4.00 2.8 5-1
10 10 Bolt From Above 5.00 3.1 6-1
1 1 Sharp Strike 12.00 3.5 7-1
6 6 Rock N Roll Bolt 12.00 3.5 7-1
8 8 Hammer of Justice 6.00 3.9 7-1
4 4 Maki Monarchy 3.50 4.5 8-1
7 7 Jack Rabbit 20.00 6.6 12-1
11 11 Cash App Mike 20.00 7.3 14-1
12 12 Texas Splurge 12.00 SCRATCH
5 5 Date the Prince 10.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 6 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Perfect Union 3.50 1 2-1
4 4 Diamond Tiara 5.00 3.2 6-1
8 8 Amora 4.50 4 8-1
7 7 Mutually Exclusive 3.00 5.1 10-1
1 1 D’ Argonaut 15.00 5.6 11-1
5 5 Illy Simz 6.00 5.9 11-1
6 6 Maiz’n Money 12.00 7.9 15-1
3 3 Torrey Pine 6.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Maiden Optional Claiming) – Maiden Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Struck At Midnight 3.00 1 2-1
9 9 Honor Azteca 8.00 2.8 5-1
10 10 Don’s Joy 4.00 2.8 5-1
3 3 Grazie Prego 15.00 2.9 5-1
11 11 Jetties 4.50 4.1 8-1
7 7 Clawless Brit 12.00 6.1 12-1
5 5 Faithful Departed 20.00 6.2 12-1
12 12 Loch Fyne 10.00 6.4 12-1
8 8 Dream Eagle 20.00 6.5 12-1
1 1 Cara Felce 10.00 6.7 13-1
2 2 Ur Fabulous 20.00 SCRATCH
13 13 You’re in Heaven 8.00 SCRATCH
6 6 Leah’s First 15.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Hard Line 4.50 1 2-1
8 8 Gabe’s Possum 5.00 1 2-1
7 7 Yockey’s Drivethru 3.50 1.1 2-1
4 4 Starry Eyed 4.00 3.4 7-1
6 6 Prodigy Paradise 4.50 3.5 7-1
3 3 Blame Me Seriously 8.00 3.7 7-1
5 5 Running Ragged 6.00 3.9 7-1
2 2 Starport 10.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Mambo Queen 4.50 1 2-1
3 3 Triumphant Spirit 3.00 1.1 2-1
8 8 Competitive Threat (IRE) 8.00 1.7 3-1
5 5 Take My Picture 12.00 2.8 5-1
4 4 No Map Needed 15.00 2.9 5-1
1 1 Sheila’s Lion 8.00 3 6-1
7 7 Starina 12.00 4.8 9-1
9 9 Miskellieanne 8.00 5.2 10-1
10 10 Lady of Sky 10.00 5.6 11-1
11 11 Arijana’s Pearl 8.00 SCRATCH
2 2 Ontario 3.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 10 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Major Move 3.00 1 2-1
2 2 Go Hot Girl 10.00 4.7 9-1
6 6 Dewey’s Soldier 8.00 5.2 10-1
1 1 Betsy Louise 3.00 5.6 11-1
8 8 Jaja Ja Mar 2.50 6.5 12-1
5 5 Metallic Maid 12.00 7.1 13-1
7 7 Sautee Nacoochee 10.00 7.4 14-1
3 3 Athena’s Iron Lady 12.00 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.