Delta Downs Horse Racing Picks for Thursday, January 8, 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 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Lovelyredstilettos 5.00 1 2-1
8 8 Cajun Cattitude 5.00 1.5 3-1
7 7 First Love 8.00 3.3 6-1
4 4 You Have No Idea 20.00 3.6 7-1
5 5 My Golden Bling 20.00 3.8 7-1
6 6 Gracie Diamond 10.00 4.2 8-1
2 2 Ocean Jet 15.00 4.6 9-1
1 1 Best Performer 12.00 7.1 13-1
9 9 Ma Rae’s Girl 2.50 SCRATCH
10 10 Talkin in Cursive 3.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Sarah’s Vision 4.00 1 2-1
8 8 Scallywag 12.00 1.4 3-1
2 2 Backfire 8.00 1.6 3-1
4 4 El Mero Mero 3.00 2 4-1
6 6 Karaoke 5.00 2.2 4-1
1 1 High Prince 10.00 3.8 7-1
9 9 Mobster Gun 5.00 4.6 9-1
7 7 Butcher Holler 10.00 4.9 9-1
10 10 Lost Da Vinci 20.00 5.8 11-1
5 5 Dustin the Diamond 15.00 5.9 11-1
12 12 The Thimble 12.00 SCRATCH
11 11 Moro Mafia 12.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Ev’s Spirit 3.50 1 2-1
5 5 Hint Hint 6.00 1.1 2-1
9 9 Mae’s Majesty 2.00 2.6 5-1
3 3 Dat Hint 15.00 3 6-1
4 4 Andale Muchacha 8.00 3.4 6-1
8 8 Datahalldoll 15.00 4.6 9-1
6 6 Shadow Dancer 12.00 4.8 9-1
2 2 Provoker 15.00 5.3 10-1
1 1 Periphery 4.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Girl Likes Bling 8.00 1 2-1
4 4 Jaydyn Cat 4.00 2.1 4-1
1 1 Fouralivia 2.50 2.7 5-1
3 3 Runtolive 3.50 3.5 7-1
6 6 Myfriendsawinner 10.00 5.6 11-1
8 8 Scrapbook 12.00 6.1 12-1
7 7 Hey Madalyn Claire 20.00 6.2 12-1
2 2 Lady Be Gone 20.00 6.6 13-1
9 9 Sienna Breeze 6.00 SCRATCH
10 10 Cece Wave 20.00 SCRATCH
11 11 Sister Ella 12.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Fierce Cat 3.50 1 2-1
4 4 Mischievous Smile 4.50 2.2 4-1
2 2 M Tiz Me 10.00 2.7 5-1
1 1 Jamesy’s Empire 2.50 2.8 5-1
6 6 Easy Eddie A 8.00 5.3 10-1
5 5 Sailor Mike 15.00 SCRATCH
8 8 Jamian 15.00 6.3 12-1
9 9 Iwannabeamachoman 6.00 6.5 12-1
3 3 Zoom There It Is 10.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Takeittothehouse 3.00 1 2-1
4 4 Mariah 6.00 1.9 4-1
8 8 Goldzone 10.00 3 6-1
1 1 Selectively Sweet 8.00 3.2 6-1
6 6 Brewster County 2.50 3.7 7-1
5 5 Call Me Susan 12.00 3.9 7-1
3 3 Clever Race 12.00 4.3 8-1
2 2 Dylan’s Dream 15.00 SCRATCH
9 9 Fluffy 4.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 7 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Uno Pea 6.00 1 2-1
7 7 Ground Control 3.00 2.1 4-1
6 6 New Destiny 4.00 4.8 9-1
3 3 R T’s Gem 2.00 5.4 10-1
2 2 Rusty’s Sunrise 10.00 5.6 11-1
4 4 Crawfish Burl 12.00 5.8 11-1
5 5 Magnolia Avenue 6.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Maximus Freedom 10.00 1 2-1
8 8 Courtman 3.50 3 6-1
11 11 Handsome Harold 6.00 3.6 7-1
9 9 Warp Ride 20.00 4.3 8-1
2 2 Play Rule 20.00 6.1 12-1
5 5 My Golden M 15.00 6.4 12-1
6 6 G’wildcat 2.50 SCRATCH
1 1 Oceola 8.00 SCRATCH
7 7 Luv to Win 4.50 SCRATCH
4 4 Bad Brad 12.00 SCRATCH
10 10 Ace Ventura (CHI) 6.00 SCRATCH

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.