Gulfstream Park 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 (Starter Optional Claiming) – Starter Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Imperia Blue 8.00 1 2-1
3 3 Rogue Runner 8.00 1.5 3-1
5 5 Sushi 10.00 2.9 5-1
7 7 Always Ready 2.00 3.1 6-1
6 6 Reina Del Viento 20.00 5 9-1
11 11 Little Torch 20.00 5.7 11-1
1 1 Cairo Comedy 8.00 7.8 15-1
9 9 Greatest 5.00 9.4 18-1
4 4 New Life 10.00 10.2 19-1
2 2 Only You 6.00 10.5 20-1
10 10 Brat Girl 30.00 11 21-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 King Julien 6.00 1 2-1
1 1 Risk Factor 3.00 2.9 6-1
9 9 Sabian 3.50 3.7 7-1
3 3 Winfromwithin 15.00 4.1 8-1
4 4 Nero Tulip (GB) 2.50 5.6 11-1
6 6 Toolpusher 20.00 6.5 12-1
5 5 Wasamattafoyou 30.00 6.9 13-1
8 8 American Farmer 8.00 7.5 14-1
7 7 Shear Magic 6.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 My Girl Nina 1.60 1 2-1
2 2 Here Comes Petal 20.00 3 6-1
4 4 Eileen’s a Warrior 12.00 6.1 12-1
5 5 Viable Asset 2.50 6.5 12-1
6 6 More Applause 10.00 6.7 13-1
1 1 Cheri Cheri Lady 6.00 6.9 13-1
7 7 Coded Elegance 3.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Face the Music 1.60 1 2-1
4 4 Speightfulelection 3.00 2.1 4-1
7 7 Plum Irish 4.00 5.7 11-1
2 2 Sara’s Rose 6.00 6.3 12-1
1 1 Not Guilty 6.00 6.3 12-1
3 3 Goodys Girl 12.00 6.5 12-1
6 6 Smooth Claret 12.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Simo At the Big A 2.00 1 2-1
4 4 Lovethisbizz 12.00 2.6 5-1
7 7 Turbo Fire 6.00 3.2 6-1
8 8 Beau Black 20.00 4.3 8-1
1 1 Spectacle 10.00 4.8 9-1
9 9 My Man Money 30.00 5.4 10-1
6 6 Eyes On the Ground 3.50 6.6 13-1
5 5 Sim Sala Bim 10.00 7 13-1
2 2 Cerberus 8.00 9.2 17-1
10 10 Vekoma Velocity 6.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Sticky McShnickens 3.00 1 2-1
6 6 Java Buzz 5.00 2.3 4-1
4 4 My Voodoo Doll 1.60 3.7 7-1
7 7 Corso’s Pick 8.00 4.4 8-1
2 2 Quizler 4.50 4.9 9-1
8 8 Neonate 20.00 6.5 12-1
5 5 Neophyte 10.00 6.9 13-1
3 3 Carcone 20.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Transactional Guy 3.00 1 2-1
1 1 Valiant Winter 5.00 2.5 5-1
3 3 Mila’s Wish 12.00 3 6-1
7 7 Coffee At K J’s 3.50 4.5 9-1
6 6 Pancho Slips Away 12.00 5.4 10-1
4 4 Messagefromtheking 4.00 5.6 11-1
5 5 Adversary 2.50 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Starter Optional Claiming) – Starter Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 My Favorite Bird 6.00 1 2-1
6 6 Not Now Nick 4.50 1.1 2-1
1 1 Laser 5.00 1.7 3-1
4 4 Ramses the Great 1.80 4.6 9-1
8 8 Complexed 4.00 4.6 9-1
3 3 Manoah’s Glory 10.00 6.4 12-1
2 2 Lufkin 15.00 7.7 15-1
5 5 Chicken Dance 12.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Contrary 1.60 1 2-1
2 2 Sherbini 3.50 3.1 6-1
4 4 Palm Desert 6.00 4.1 8-1
5 5 Street View 8.00 5.7 11-1
7 7 Royal Poppy 6.00 6.6 12-1
8 8 Domino Vitali 4.50 7 13-1
1 1 Vivi Get Your Guns 30.00 7.3 14-1
3 3 Puckered 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 10 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
11 11 Epigram 15.00 1 2-1
1 1 Catalonia 2.50 3.4 6-1
8 8 Pulstar 6.00 4.1 8-1
3 3 Epic Lady Luck 8.00 5.1 10-1
10 10 Chucky’s Ride 15.00 5.8 11-1
9 9 Bibi Dahl 12.00 5.9 11-1
2 2 Spinelli 12.00 6.6 12-1
6 6 Ifyousaidso 30.00 8 15-1
4 4 Nonna’s Love 3.00 8.3 16-1
5 5 Bramble Blast 6.00 8.4 16-1
7 7 Golden Beach 20.00 11 21-1

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.