Aqueduct Horse Racing Picks for Saturday, January 3, 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 Rose Lisa 3.00 1 2-1
1 1 Relli’s Cruiser 30.00 2.9 5-1
2 2 Wayward Queen 12.00 3 6-1
3 3 Tank Girl 10.00 3.6 7-1
7 7 Luciana’s Honor 4.50 3.8 7-1
4 4 Island Charm 0.80 SCRATCH
5 5 Hudson River Line 20.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Panagiotis 4.00 1 2-1
1 1 Gunner Bay 1.00 1.9 4-1
2 2 Thrill of It 6.00 3.5 7-1
3 3 Funny Uncle 3.50 4.2 8-1
6 6 Leading Role 5.00 4.8 9-1
4 4 Because the Night 15.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Jerome S.) – Jerome S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Mailata 4.00 1 2-1
3 3 My World 1.40 1.3 2-1
4 4 Balboa 1.60 1.8 3-1
1 1 Enforced Agenda 4.50 4.3 8-1
2 2 Freedom’s Echo 8.00 5 9-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Hurricane Kaz 5.00 1 2-1
5 5 Royal Riddle 2.00 1.7 3-1
1 1 Central Spirit 3.00 3.6 7-1
6 6 Always Honest 6.00 3.7 7-1
3 3 Deacon Blues 6.00 4.1 8-1
4 4 Bounty Banker 8.00 4.2 8-1
7 7 B Thedonald 8.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Tabloid Material 3.00 1 2-1
7 7 Happy Valentine 4.00 2.7 5-1
4 4 My First Love 6.00 3.3 6-1
2 2 Problematica 8.00 3.4 6-1
5 5 Jackson’s Dixie 6.00 4.6 9-1
3 3 Curlin’s Magic 2.50 5 10-1
1 1 Looks First 5.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Porosity 4.00 1 2-1
5 5 Social Hour 3.50 3.3 6-1
8 8 Pair of Socks 2.50 3.6 7-1
2 2 Uncle Jim 4.00 4.4 8-1
4 4 Sinister Smile 4.50 5.7 11-1
6 6 Hot Spun 15.00 6 11-1
1 1 Middle Market 15.00 6.8 13-1
7 7 Math Tutor 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Busanda S.) – Busanda S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Dazzling Dame 2.50 1 2-1
3 3 Shilling 2.00 1.6 3-1
6 6 Believable 4.00 2.6 5-1
2 2 Britain 3.00 5.6 11-1
4 4 Two Bits 6.00 5.6 11-1
1 1 Midnite Ginny 12.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Ranger Battalion 5.00 1 2-1
3 3 Dettori 8.00 1.4 3-1
8 8 Tiger Twenty Four 8.00 2.2 4-1
1 1 Buttah 6.00 3.4 6-1
7 7 Commuted 6.00 3.4 6-1
6 6 Bermuda Blitz 3.00 5.5 10-1
4 4 Russian Realm 8.00 5.9 11-1
9 9 Filoso 20.00 8.9 17-1
2 2 Brazenly 3.50 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Crescendo’s Rein 4.00 1 2-1
8 8 Vibrant Express 2.50 2.8 5-1
4 4 Coin Jar 12.00 4.5 8-1
3 3 Puckish 10.00 5.2 10-1
1 1 Unbroken Chain 8.00 7 13-1
2 2 Twohonestmischief 3.50 7.3 14-1
5 5 Roofer 5.00 7.7 15-1
6 6 This Time Yes 20.00 7.8 15-1
9 9 Van Vollenhoven 12.00 8.7 17-1
10 10 Resilient Hero 30.00 10 19-1

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.