Aqueduct Horse Racing Picks for Friday, January 9, 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 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Always Angels 1.60 1 2-1
4 4 Ready for Trouble 2.50 1.3 2-1
5 5 Broadway Lights 2.50 1.3 2-1
2 2 Bourbon Serengeti 3.00 1.4 3-1
1 1 Another Cleeshay 15.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Helen’s Revenge 1.60 1 2-1
1 1 Dia Por Dia 3.50 2.5 5-1
5 5 Rumint 4.00 2.9 5-1
3 3 Graceful Rose 4.50 3.3 6-1
4 4 Amy’s Light 4.50 3.3 6-1
2 2 Spun Size 8.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Apalta 2.00 1 2-1
2 2 Kavanaugh 3.00 1.8 3-1
5 5 Fever Night 3.50 2.3 4-1
4 4 Senegal 4.50 3.1 6-1
6 6 Egyptian 4.50 3.1 6-1
1 1 Magni 8.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Master of Arms 1.00 1 2-1
1 1 Great Richie M 2.00 1.3 2-1
4 4 Divine Leader 6.00 2.3 4-1
5 5 Dot’s Dollar 6.00 2.3 4-1
6 6 Lost in Rome 8.00 2.8 5-1
3 3 Life and Light 20.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Optional Claiming) – Maiden Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Probability 0.80 1 2-1
4 4 Antietam 3.50 1.6 3-1
2 2 Kaz Oil Changer 5.00 1.9 4-1
3 3 Sequential 8.00 2.5 5-1
6 6 Ice Shot 8.00 2.5 5-1
1 1 Nonno Joe 12.00 3.3 6-1
7 7 Nothingbutnitro 30.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 That’s Funny 1.60 1 2-1
1 1 Blenheim Baby 3.00 1.5 3-1
4 4 Spirit of Esther 3.50 1.6 3-1
3 3 Itwillbefun 4.00 1.8 3-1
5 5 Cara’s Chianti 10.00 3.7 7-1
7 7 Blue Eyed Scout 12.00 4.4 8-1
6 6 Widdershins 20.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 One Nine Hundred 2.00 1 2-1
2 2 Vettriano 2.50 1.3 2-1
6 6 Mr Skylight 4.50 2.5 5-1
1 1 Big Hat Willie 6.00 3.4 6-1
3 3 Toxic Gray 6.00 3.4 6-1
7 7 High Oak 8.00 4.6 9-1
4 4 I’m A Gambler (IRE) 12.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Mo Spice 2.00 1 2-1
7 7 Bellamy 3.50 2.1 4-1
5 5 Tinseltown 4.50 2.9 5-1
6 6 Whiskey Runner 5.00 3.3 6-1
1 1 Hoity Moroni 5.00 3.3 6-1
2 2 The Fridge 8.00 5.5 10-1
4 4 Solo Street 10.00 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.