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Fair Grounds 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
3 3 Bandido Deal 1.80 1 2-1
4 4 Romeo Spikes 2.50 1.6 3-1
6 6 Blesseduponastar 4.50 3.2 6-1
2 2 One Grand Slam 4.50 3.2 6-1
1 1 Custom Ride 5.00 3.6 7-1
5 5 Closing Agent 8.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Boss’ Dialin In 2.50 1 2-1
1 1 Bourbon Boss 3.00 1.4 3-1
5 5 Flipping Fish 3.50 1.8 3-1
3 3 Twirling Roses 6.00 3.8 7-1
2 2 Oncoming Train 8.00 5.4 10-1
7 7 Honor That Dude 8.00 5.4 10-1
6 6 Whiskey and Easy 10.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Calibrate 3.00 1 2-1
3 3 Summer in Adriane 3.50 1.4 3-1
7 7 Curahee 4.00 1.8 3-1
4 4 Mr McGregor 6.00 3.3 6-1
8 8 Write Off Jerry 6.00 3.3 6-1
5 5 Manfredi 8.00 4.9 9-1
6 6 Masteroffoxhounds 10.00 6.4 12-1
2 2 Tahoe Run 12.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Guanare 2.50 1 2-1
5 5 Gavel 3.50 1.6 3-1
6 6 Upturned Brim 3.50 1.6 3-1
3 3 American City 4.00 2 4-1
4 4 Bigfoot Sighting 5.00 2.6 5-1
1 1 Swift as I Am 12.00 7 13-1
2 2 Peso in My Pocket 12.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
10 10 Bizzee Channel 3.00 1 2-1
5 5 Deccan Prince (IRE) 4.00 1.7 3-1
8 8 Gorilla Trek 4.50 2 4-1
9 9 Half Brother 5.00 2.3 4-1
6 6 Lamplighter Jack 6.00 2.9 6-1
12 12 Great Escape 6.00 2.9 6-1
11 11 I’m Your Man 8.00 4.2 8-1
1 1 Golden Bandit 12.00 6.8 13-1
3 3 Publius 12.00 6.8 13-1
4 4 Sendero 15.00 8.8 17-1
2 2 Even the Wind 15.00 8.8 17-1
7 7 Duke of Carthania 20.00 12 23-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Free Scrim 1.80 1 2-1
4 4 Yorktown Panther 4.00 2.5 5-1
5 5 Hesper 4.50 2.9 5-1
2 2 Munnings Catsle 6.00 3.9 7-1
6 6 The Wicked Cat 6.00 3.9 7-1
1 1 Meroney 8.00 5.3 10-1
8 8 Achromedoutcat 12.00 8 15-1
7 7 Clearly Majestic 12.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Joe’s Candy 3.00 1 2-1
2 2 Hitchcock 3.50 1.2 2-1
4 4 Ice Wolf 4.50 1.7 3-1
1 1 Snare 5.00 1.9 4-1
8 8 Urban Ruler 6.00 2.4 5-1
6 6 Razorcat 8.00 3.4 6-1
9 9 Prince Ben 15.00 6.7 13-1
7 7 First Samaritan 20.00 9 17-1
5 5 Sky Simon 20.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Bette Davis 0.80 1 2-1
1 1 Midnight Blaze 4.00 2.4 4-1
3 3 Strawberry Sundae 6.00 3.2 6-1
7 7 Roll Gypsy Roll 6.00 3.2 6-1
4 4 Lily’s Creed 12.00 5.7 11-1
6 6 Foreign Tourist 15.00 7 13-1
5 5 No Cost 15.00 7 13-1

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.

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