Aqueduct Horse Racing Picks for Friday, January 2, 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 Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Classic Cara 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Lady Meringue 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Katerina Ristova 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Purple and Gold 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Rogue Justice 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Lookie Here 0.00 1 2-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Southeastern 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Tiger Rocket 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Swiss Army Knife 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 State of Attack 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Grumblyrumhogan 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 First Blessing 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Laughing Boy 0.00 1 2-1
8 8 Shamateur 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Unbridled Bomber 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Commandperformance 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 Nobodyridesforfree 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 He’s Got This 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Create Trouble 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Whiskey Frens 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Alias 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Implacable 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 My Military Hero 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Roger Roger 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Shadow Banking 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Copious 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Tampa Storm 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 The Toy Cannon 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Vinnie Bankerino 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 My Munny Talks 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 Solomini’s World 0.00 1 2-1
8 8 Major Bourbon 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Mach Schnell 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 The Last Delivery 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Brew Pub 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Burninhunkoflove 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Kaz Sugar Bank 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 D’ont Lose Cruz 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Stewie 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 Apollo Code 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Tizmarkus 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Shootersgottashoot 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Adeliese’s Smile 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Danzit 0.00 1 2-1
9 9 Hue 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Romantic Dancer 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Sarir 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Lucille Ball 0.00 1 2-1
8 8 Waveless 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Practical Lov 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 Wild Mama 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Elegant 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Scarlet’s Dream 0.00 1 2-1
8 8 Jay’s Love 0.00 1 2-1
9 9 Chocolatechocolate 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Cara’s Dreamweaver 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Blame the Banker 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Maidstone 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Twirling Lulu 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Calisa 0.00 1 2-1

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.