Delta Downs 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
6 6 Penei 2.00 1 2-1
2 2 He’s Ready to Win 3.00 1.4 3-1
3 3 Valhalla Viking 4.00 1.8 3-1
7 7 Toms Lucky Mo 5.00 2.2 4-1
4 4 Beach Trippin 8.00 3.3 6-1
5 5 El Lagarto 12.00 4.9 9-1
8 8 Not Free 15.00 6.1 11-1
1 1 Straight Dropbilly 20.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Silver Redesdale 1.80 1 2-1
7 7 After the Game 3.00 1.7 3-1
1 1 Drobny 4.00 2.3 4-1
4 4 Last Second Louie 5.00 2.9 5-1
3 3 Hard Kings 6.00 3.5 7-1
6 6 Chief Kimosabi 12.00 7 13-1
2 2 Pure Malice 12.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Drewrelius 2.50 1 2-1
1 1 Mingling Mo 3.50 1.5 3-1
9 9 F J’s Mayhem 4.50 2 4-1
10 10 Big Woods 6.00 2.8 5-1
8 8 Blackberry Crown 8.00 3.8 7-1
2 2 Ninth Ward Bobby O 8.00 3.8 7-1
4 4 Ole Mister 12.00 5.9 11-1
7 7 Imperial Bandit 15.00 7.4 14-1
5 5 Moondoggie 20.00 10 19-1
3 3 Jackson’s Speaker 20.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Jazzy Gal 2.00 1 2-1
7 7 Exploding Circle 3.00 1.8 3-1
2 2 Imperial Assault 4.00 2.5 5-1
3 3 Graceful Star 5.00 3.3 6-1
5 5 Star of Astrology 8.00 5.5 10-1
6 6 Molli Way 10.00 7 13-1
4 4 Lassie Bee 10.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Bradford 2.50 1 2-1
7 7 Heart Prints 3.50 1.6 3-1
5 5 Puckster 4.00 1.8 3-1
4 4 Big Duck 6.00 3 6-1
2 2 Notime Formischief 6.00 3 6-1
8 8 Iron Fortune 8.00 4.1 8-1
6 6 Littlebitofajimmy 12.00 6.3 12-1
3 3 Super Taco 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Track Ranger 2.00 1 2-1
4 4 Solidify 3.00 1.5 3-1
7 7 Gucci Boy 4.00 1.9 4-1
3 3 Surprise Road Trip 6.00 2.9 5-1
2 2 Celtic Pride 6.00 2.9 5-1
1 1 Timehascome 8.00 3.8 7-1
5 5 Smoothdini 15.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
12 12 Play the Trumpet 2.00 1 2-1
1 1 Sweet Fantasy 3.00 1.6 3-1
4 4 Our Favorite Son 4.00 2.2 4-1
3 3 Numero Siete 4.50 2.5 5-1
8 8 Max Is G Money 5.00 2.8 5-1
9 9 Mo Moves 6.00 3.4 7-1
11 11 Golden Quality 8.00 4.7 9-1
10 10 Wolf Man Jack 10.00 5.9 11-1
2 2 Two Dollars 12.00 7.1 13-1
7 7 El Rojo Vivo 15.00 8.9 17-1
5 5 Flashy Lover 20.00 12 23-1
6 6 Grazen Boy 20.00 12 23-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Hes the Bomb Too 2.50 1 2-1
7 7 Gabbys Bling 3.50 1.6 3-1
11 11 Awesome William 4.00 1.9 4-1
2 2 Dixie’s Astro 5.00 2.6 5-1
1 1 Mo Sopo 8.00 4.5 8-1
6 6 Cali Dreamin 8.00 4.5 8-1
5 5 Quikonthetrigger 8.00 4.5 8-1
4 4 Stray Cat Strut 10.00 5.7 11-1
3 3 Dee’s Legs 12.00 7 13-1
10 10 I’m a Night Train 20.00 12 23-1
12 12 Lacey’s Kat 20.00 12 23-1
9 9 Native Requite 20.00 12 23-1

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.