Fair Grounds 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 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Oliverio 1.80 1 2-1
4 4 Dan d’Oro 2.00 1.1 2-1
1 1 No Rematch 3.50 1.8 3-1
3 3 Dixie Doctor 5.00 2.6 5-1
6 6 Peyton’s Day 10.00 5 9-1
5 5 Tsuperman 12.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Princess Celine 1.60 1 2-1
2 2 Geaux Geaux Tiger 2.00 1.1 2-1
1 1 Pam’s Friend 5.00 2.1 4-1
4 4 Mya Papaya 6.00 2.4 5-1
5 5 Veronicaforthewin 6.00 2.4 5-1
6 6 Honor and Obay 15.00 5.4 10-1
7 7 Lyla’s Golden Gal 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Gold Plus 3.00 1 2-1
9 9 Simona’s Choice 4.00 1.5 3-1
8 8 Dixie Morning 4.50 1.7 3-1
3 3 Huntleigh 5.00 1.9 4-1
6 6 Zoom Erin 6.00 2.4 5-1
4 4 Emilyhasherturn 8.00 3.4 6-1
1 1 Shorty Mac 10.00 4.3 8-1
2 2 In Your Life 10.00 4.3 8-1
5 5 Ruby the Destroyer 20.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Starter Optional Claiming) – Starter Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Boitano 1.80 1 2-1
6 6 Fortuity 4.50 2.2 4-1
2 2 Brit’s Wit 6.00 2.9 6-1
1 1 Red Road 6.00 2.9 6-1
3 3 Big Scully 8.00 3.9 7-1
8 8 Ben Dreaming 8.00 3.9 7-1
14 14 Notion 8.00 3.9 7-1
13 13 Skip the Line 10.00 4.8 9-1
11 11 Sendero 12.00 5.7 11-1
12 12 All in Sync 20.00 9.4 18-1
10 10 Z Z’s Prince 20.00 9.4 18-1
9 9 Publius 20.00 9.4 18-1
5 5 Parrot Head 30.00 14 26-1
4 4 Prowling Tiger 30.00 14 26-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Vineaux 2.00 1 2-1
1 1 Top Notch Protocol 2.50 1.4 3-1
3 3 Cajun Moviestar 5.00 3.1 6-1
7 7 Lightning Twirl 6.00 3.8 7-1
5 5 Rescue Squad 8.00 5.2 10-1
8 8 Such a Pickle 10.00 6.6 12-1
4 4 Who Is Chief 12.00 8 15-1
2 2 Ayden’s Edge 12.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
9 9 Ogilvy (IRE) 3.00 1 2-1
5 5 Shakin My Head 4.50 1.8 3-1
1 1 High Go 4.50 1.8 3-1
6 6 Mountain Grandeur 6.00 2.6 5-1
3 3 Fast Connection 8.00 3.7 7-1
2 2 Strong 8.00 3.7 7-1
4 4 Moral Man 10.00 4.7 9-1
7 7 Leonardo 12.00 5.8 11-1
10 10 Starmetal 20.00 10 19-1
8 8 Chasing Gray 20.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Sweet Darlin 2.50 1 2-1
4 4 Trust Fund Philly 3.00 1.3 2-1
5 5 Hay Evabody 3.00 1.3 2-1
6 6 Terra Bella 4.00 2 4-1
7 7 Miss Maximus 10.00 5.7 11-1
1 1 Shan’s Quest 10.00 5.7 11-1
3 3 Arijana’s Pearl 12.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 I’m Wide Awake 3.50 1 2-1
4 4 Vesture 4.00 1.6 3-1
1 1 Mega Magic 6.00 3.9 7-1
9 9 Pharoah’s Dynasty 6.00 3.9 7-1
3 3 Hit That Review (IRE) 6.00 3.9 7-1
11 11 Unbeatable 10.00 8.7 16-1
7 7 One True Gentleman 12.00 11 21-1
5 5 Sassi D 12.00 11 21-1
2 2 This Time 12.00 11 21-1
10 10 Silver Halo 12.00 11 21-1
6 6 Sight 12.00 11 21-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Colt’s Brim 3.00 1 2-1
2 2 Crigler 4.00 2.1 4-1
8 8 Josan 5.00 3.3 6-1
9 9 Stone Alliance 8.00 6.7 13-1
1 1 Shawn’s Solving 8.00 6.7 13-1
5 5 Baby’s Last Dance 8.00 6.7 13-1
4 4 Gordito Hermoso 8.00 6.7 13-1
7 7 Tap the Tequila 8.00 6.7 13-1
6 6 Saberman 10.00 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.