Delta Downs 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 California Swag 2.00 1 2-1
7 7 Peak Priority 6.00 3.2 6-1
4 4 Bottle It 3.50 3.8 7-1
3 3 Justice for Johnny 4.50 4.4 8-1
2 2 R Too Feisty 20.00 5.4 10-1
5 5 Cabanabobanna 6.00 5.4 10-1
8 8 Howiewin 8.00 6.4 12-1
1 1 Catalina Gold 12.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Baby Jane 4.00 1 2-1
8 8 A Wicked Number 3.00 4.3 8-1
1 1 Riptide Rose 12.00 4.7 9-1
3 3 Double Cute 6.00 5.6 11-1
7 7 Take Her Away 8.00 6 11-1
5 5 Miss Cheese Bread 5.00 7 13-1
2 2 Love in the Dark 5.00 7.5 14-1
6 6 Perfect Deal 6.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Yankee Prince 3.50 1 2-1
3 3 Ahooga 2.50 2 4-1
5 5 Mr Digits 6.00 2.2 4-1
6 6 Playboy Rocket 8.00 2.7 5-1
2 2 Wildly Wicked 4.00 3.3 6-1
1 1 Atchafalaya Sunset 4.50 3.5 7-1
4 4 He’s Therealdeal 10.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Eve Eve 6.00 1 2-1
9 9 Shelbi’s Star 3.00 1.4 3-1
5 5 Timeformargaritas 15.00 2.6 5-1
8 8 Ancho 8.00 4.6 9-1
4 4 Mopac Traffic 4.50 5.2 10-1
3 3 Style Maker 5.00 6.4 12-1
7 7 Alessande 20.00 6.5 12-1
11 11 Delphine 4.00 6.7 13-1
6 6 Aubree’s Halo 10.00 7.8 15-1
2 2 Shezhell On Wheels 10.00 9 17-1
10 10 Taylors Enticed 8.00 11 21-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Play the Trumpet 2.50 1 2-1
1 1 Big Drinker 4.00 4 7-1
5 5 Interlude 12.00 4.4 8-1
7 7 Mister Banderas 3.50 5.8 11-1
6 6 Golden Quality 15.00 6.2 12-1
3 3 Pyromania 15.00 6.4 12-1
9 9 Hegs 6.00 6.6 12-1
8 8 Frosty Blue 8.00 6.7 13-1
4 4 Fire in My Sul 8.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Wickey Bibby 5.00 1 2-1
7 7 Stormy Lou 12.00 4.6 9-1
4 4 Mo Pumpkin 10.00 5.4 10-1
2 2 Coach’s Memory 12.00 5.6 11-1
5 5 Flora Bound 8.00 6.5 12-1
6 6 Flower Girl 3.50 7.1 13-1
10 10 Inawinner 2.50 8.1 15-1
8 8 Married for Money 6.00 8.4 16-1
3 3 Lemon Drop Lyla 15.00 8.6 16-1
9 9 Momma Mia 20.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Lady Hipster 4.50 1 2-1
7 7 On the Bridle 6.00 3.4 6-1
1 1 Magic Glass 10.00 4.8 9-1
4 4 Margarita Daze 20.00 5.8 11-1
12 12 Bamtwentyklater 4.00 6 11-1
3 3 Our Keepsake 2.50 6.5 12-1
2 2 Misty Mood 8.00 7 13-1
6 6 Cayman Hot 15.00 8.1 15-1
10 10 Honest Angus 3.50 9 17-1
8 8 Grace the Kingdom 20.00 11.9 22-1
11 11 Yoda Winner 12.00 12 23-1
9 9 Miz Mastery 12.00 12 23-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Charge the Deal 6.00 1 2-1
4 4 My Vision 4.00 1.5 3-1
10 10 Judy Gemstone 12.00 2.5 5-1
2 2 Taylors Wonder 3.00 2.8 5-1
7 7 Ridearoundsalley 4.50 3.5 7-1
5 5 Promesa Divina 10.00 3.9 7-1
9 9 Tiz a Hero 8.00 5.3 10-1
3 3 Deever Encounter 15.00 5.4 10-1
8 8 Parkin Lot Party 10.00 7.6 14-1
1 1 Shining Away 15.00 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.