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
5 5 Runner Runner 4.00 1.1 2-1
6 6 Custom Spark 3.50 1.4 3-1
2 2 Roadside Banker 4.50 3.1 6-1
1 1 Ocean Voyager 10.00 3.8 7-1
9 9 Hard Cry 8.00 4.5 8-1
7 7 Charlie Gamer 10.00 4.5 9-1
4 4 Temporory High 20.00 5.2 10-1
3 3 Aticus Aurelius 15.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Cloudy Lass 3.50 1 2-1
4 4 Honor Azteca 3.50 1.1 2-1
2 2 Stress Test 4.00 3 6-1
5 5 Leah’s First 3.00 3.2 6-1
3 3 Improve Position 8.00 4.1 8-1
8 8 Amazing Lady 8.00 4.5 9-1
1 1 Cause We Can 15.00 6.6 12-1
7 7 Pipinna 15.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Spielman 3.50 1 2-1
6 6 Miracle On Central 4.50 1.6 3-1
4 4 Lemon Sohn 4.00 2.7 5-1
8 8 Mister O 8.00 3.2 6-1
7 7 Lost in the Sauce 6.00 3.8 7-1
2 2 Max the Butler 15.00 4.9 9-1
3 3 Cajun Swagger 10.00 5 9-1
1 1 Daredevil Doug 3.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Canal Street 3.50 1 2-1
1 1 Run Bambi Run 6.00 1.1 2-1
6 6 Starsnmotion 8.00 2.4 4-1
5 5 Walksonwater 12.00 2.9 5-1
9 9 Clearly Creeps 15.00 3.3 6-1
3 3 Snazzy Gal 6.00 3.4 6-1
10 10 Factor of Time 6.00 3.5 7-1
12 12 Visionista 8.00 4.1 8-1
4 4 Instaspeed 20.00 8.9 17-1
11 11 Desert Glow 3.00 SCRATCH
2 2 Lady Star 4.50 SCRATCH
7 7 Awree 6.00 SCRATCH

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 3.2 6-1
1 1 Cosmic Train 4.50 4 8-1
6 6 Mangum 5.00 4.3 8-1
3 3 Macho Beanie 6.00 4.5 8-1
8 8 Blue Cheese 12.00 6.3 12-1
5 5 Tambourine Star 15.00 6.4 12-1
4 4 Le Monstre Rapide 8.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Being Myself 3.50 1 2-1
7 7 Pretty Sassy 4.50 1.7 3-1
5 5 Amalfi Drive 8.00 1.7 3-1
6 6 Bless the Broken 1.20 1.8 3-1
4 4 Classic Performer 10.00 5.3 10-1
3 3 Jenkin 8.00 5.8 11-1
1 1 Pink Ruby 8.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Mom’s Palace 2.50 1 2-1
2 2 Cairo Dream 8.00 2 4-1
8 8 Shining Star (CHI) 1.80 2.3 4-1
7 7 Biscuitwiththeboss 5.00 2.8 5-1
1 1 Liuzza 12.00 2.8 5-1
6 6 Fast Flame 8.00 3.3 6-1
3 3 Aldora 15.00 3.4 6-1
4 4 Quantum Burst 8.00 SCRATCH

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 3.9 7-1
10 10 All West 12.00 4.4 8-1
5 5 Skip the Line 15.00 4.5 9-1
4 4 Little Ditty 6.00 5.1 10-1
2 2 People Force 12.00 5.9 11-1
3 3 Ricky Bobby 8.00 6.1 12-1
7 7 Keys Included 15.00 6.4 12-1
9 9 Ben Dreaming 6.00 7.2 14-1
8 8 Motor City Menace 12.00 8.1 15-1
12 12 Super Wise 20.00 8.8 17-1
6 6 Regimental 20.00 9.8 19-1
13 13 Background 6.00 SCRATCH
15 15 Daryl’s Bolt 6.00 SCRATCH
14 14 Prichard 10.00 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.