Fair Grounds 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 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Jayjayjay 2.50 1 2-1
6 6 Custom Spark 3.50 1.5 3-1
5 5 Runner Runner 4.00 1.7 3-1
2 2 Roadside Banker 4.50 1.9 4-1
9 9 Hard Cry 8.00 3.5 7-1
1 1 Ocean Voyager 10.00 4.4 8-1
7 7 Charlie Gamer 10.00 4.4 8-1
3 3 Aticus Aurelius 15.00 6.7 13-1
4 4 Temporory High 20.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Leah’s First 3.00 1 2-1
6 6 Cloudy Lass 3.50 1.3 2-1
4 4 Honor Azteca 3.50 1.3 2-1
2 2 Stress Test 4.00 1.6 3-1
8 8 Amazing Lady 8.00 3.9 7-1
3 3 Improve Position 8.00 3.9 7-1
1 1 Cause We Can 15.00 8 15-1
7 7 Pipinna 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Daredevil Doug 3.00 1 2-1
5 5 Spielman 3.50 1.3 2-1
4 4 Lemon Sohn 4.00 1.6 3-1
6 6 Miracle On Central 4.50 1.9 4-1
7 7 Lost in the Sauce 6.00 2.8 5-1
8 8 Mister O 8.00 3.9 7-1
3 3 Cajun Swagger 10.00 5.1 10-1
2 2 Max the Butler 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
11 11 Desert Glow 3.00 1 2-1
8 8 Canal Street 3.50 1.3 2-1
2 2 Lady Star 4.50 2 4-1
1 1 Run Bambi Run 6.00 2.9 6-1
7 7 Awree 6.00 2.9 6-1
3 3 Snazzy Gal 6.00 2.9 6-1
10 10 Factor of Time 6.00 2.9 6-1
6 6 Starsnmotion 8.00 4.2 8-1
12 12 Visionista 8.00 4.2 8-1
5 5 Walksonwater 12.00 6.8 13-1
9 9 Clearly Creeps 15.00 8.8 17-1
4 4 Instaspeed 20.00 12 23-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Sippin On Gin 2.50 1 2-1
7 7 Highland Creek 3.50 1.6 3-1
1 1 Cosmic Train 4.50 2.1 4-1
6 6 Mangum 5.00 2.4 5-1
3 3 Macho Beanie 6.00 3 6-1
4 4 Le Monstre Rapide 8.00 4.1 8-1
8 8 Blue Cheese 12.00 6.3 12-1
5 5 Tambourine Star 15.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Bless the Broken 1.20 1 2-1
2 2 Being Myself 3.50 2.6 5-1
7 7 Pretty Sassy 4.50 3.3 6-1
3 3 Jenkin 8.00 5.6 11-1
5 5 Amalfi Drive 8.00 5.6 11-1
1 1 Pink Ruby 8.00 5.6 11-1
4 4 Classic Performer 10.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Shining Star (CHI) 1.80 1 2-1
5 5 Mom’s Palace 2.50 1.4 3-1
7 7 Biscuitwiththeboss 5.00 2.7 5-1
2 2 Cairo Dream 8.00 4.3 8-1
4 4 Quantum Burst 8.00 4.3 8-1
6 6 Fast Flame 8.00 4.3 8-1
1 1 Liuzza 12.00 6.4 12-1
3 3 Aldora 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Hey Boss 3.00 1 2-1
11 11 Runninginthemoney 3.50 1.4 3-1
13 13 Background 6.00 3.5 7-1
9 9 Ben Dreaming 6.00 3.5 7-1
15 15 Daryl’s Bolt 6.00 3.5 7-1
4 4 Little Ditty 6.00 3.5 7-1
3 3 Ricky Bobby 8.00 5.1 10-1
14 14 Prichard 10.00 6.8 13-1
10 10 All West 12.00 8.4 16-1
2 2 People Force 12.00 8.4 16-1
8 8 Motor City Menace 12.00 8.4 16-1
7 7 Keys Included 15.00 10.9 21-1
5 5 Skip the Line 15.00 10.9 21-1
12 12 Super Wise 20.00 15 28-1
6 6 Regimental 20.00 15 28-1

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.