Aqueduct Horse Racing Picks for Thursday, January 1, 2026

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 Optional Claiming) – Maiden Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Wonder Mist 2.00 1 2-1
3 3 Final Joke 3.00 2.3 4-1
6 6 Pretty Boy Miah 4.00 3.5 7-1
1 1 Laysen 5.00 4.8 9-1
5 5 Complexington 5.00 4.8 9-1
2 2 Sonofasonofasailor 6.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Brave Buck 1.60 1 2-1
5 5 Dormello 2.00 1.2 2-1
6 6 E Z Bourbon 3.00 1.8 3-1
2 2 Camm’ Duke 8.00 4.8 9-1
3 3 Liberty Rising 8.00 4.8 9-1
4 4 Oath of Omerta 10.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Willintoriskitall 2.00 1 2-1
1 1 King’s Leap 3.00 1.8 3-1
3 3 Refuah 3.50 2.3 4-1
5 5 Wynstock 4.00 2.7 5-1
4 4 Cut the Cord 6.00 4.3 8-1
2 2 Palace Boss 8.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Flint Steel 2.50 1 2-1
3 3 Take a Stance 3.00 1.3 2-1
5 5 Charlie My Boy 4.00 2 4-1
2 2 Tranquil Sea 4.50 2.3 4-1
7 7 Introubleagain 5.00 2.6 5-1
6 6 Always Packen 8.00 4.5 8-1
4 4 Runaway Roscoe 12.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Top of the Table 2.00 1 2-1
1 1 Ah Ca Ira 3.00 1.3 3-1
4 4 Another Cleeshay 3.00 1.3 3-1
7 7 Serenading Kitten 5.00 2 4-1
5 5 Poetic Amy 6.00 2.3 4-1
6 6 Brooklyn Dantz 8.00 3 6-1
2 2 Dolce Sera 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 The Obliterator 2.00 1 2-1
1 1 Big Brooklyn 4.00 2.1 4-1
6 6 True Adirondacker 5.00 2.6 5-1
4 4 Sicilian Dancer 5.00 2.6 5-1
3 3 Reign It In 6.00 3.2 6-1
2 2 Charlie Hustle 6.00 3.2 6-1
8 8 Takahama 12.00 6.4 12-1
5 5 Zip for Rick 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Best Impression 3.00 1 2-1
4 4 Enigmatic 3.50 1.3 2-1
3 3 Floge 4.00 1.6 3-1
1 1 Foxy Cara 4.50 1.9 4-1
5 5 Miss Lao 5.00 2.2 4-1
8 8 Jackie the Joker 8.00 3.9 7-1
2 2 Troubled Luck 12.00 6.3 12-1
6 6 Sight to See 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Interceptor 3.00 1 2-1
9 9 House United 4.00 1.5 3-1
1 1 Reynolds Channel 4.50 1.7 3-1
5 5 Coffee Talk 5.00 1.9 4-1
4 4 Remi’s Moon 6.00 2.4 5-1
7 7 Did It Dialed 6.00 2.4 5-1
2 2 Gamebred 10.00 4.3 8-1
8 8 Salming 12.00 5.2 10-1
3 3 Redacted 20.00 9 17-1

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.