Fair Grounds Horse Racing Picks for Thursday, January 15, 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
1 1 Spicy Italian 3.00 1 2-1
3 3 Sister Saint 3.50 2.3 4-1
6 6 Came Up Roses 3.50 2.3 4-1
4 4 Smart Izzy 4.00 3.5 7-1
2 2 Maylen 4.00 3.5 7-1
5 5 Fret No More 5.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Sautee Nacoochee 4.00 1 2-1
8 8 Custom Value 4.50 1.4 3-1
1 1 Metallic Maid 4.50 1.4 3-1
6 6 Betsy Louise 4.50 1.4 3-1
3 3 Cava de Oro 5.00 1.9 4-1
2 2 Bistineau Beauty 6.00 2.8 5-1
7 7 Hannah Boo 6.00 2.8 5-1
4 4 Cat’s Custom 12.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Secret Wine 3.50 1 2-1
1 1 Diamond Country 4.00 1.2 2-1
4 4 Clearly Bella 4.50 1.5 3-1
9 9 Talkabout 5.00 1.7 3-1
8 8 Classy Mimi 5.00 1.7 3-1
2 2 Vanna G 5.00 1.7 3-1
6 6 Our Indian Girl 15.00 6.6 12-1
5 5 Adiamondinthestorm 20.00 9 17-1
7 7 Sacred Vow 20.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Awesomesauce 3.50 1 2-1
5 5 Good Conduct 4.00 1.4 3-1
4 4 Time Stone 4.50 1.8 3-1
10 10 Queen Jubilee 5.00 2.2 4-1
7 7 Galatina 6.00 3 6-1
6 6 McKinzie’s Glory 6.00 3 6-1
3 3 Channel Check (GB) 6.00 3 6-1
1 1 Buckeye Bombshell 8.00 4.5 9-1
9 9 Sunshine Daydream 10.00 6.1 12-1
2 2 Sky Low Low 15.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Silver Halo 3.50 1 2-1
7 7 C’Est Magnifique 4.50 2.2 4-1
1 1 Byword 5.00 2.9 5-1
4 4 Saratoga Slack 5.00 2.9 5-1
5 5 Sand Street 6.00 4.1 8-1
8 8 Westeros 8.00 6.5 12-1
9 9 Allied Commander 8.00 6.5 12-1
3 3 Steely Eye 10.00 9 17-1
6 6 Elmore 10.00 9 17-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Allnight Moonlight 1.40 1 2-1
3 3 Good and Stout 4.50 2.2 4-1
2 2 Kenmore West 5.00 2.4 4-1
4 4 Wicked Secret 6.00 2.7 5-1
5 5 Laser Clad 6.00 2.7 5-1
1 1 Custom’s Cleared 6.00 2.7 5-1
6 6 Woods N Water 15.00 6.1 12-1
7 7 Behemah Star 20.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Banned for Life 3.00 1 2-1
10 10 Save the Trees 4.00 2 4-1
7 7 Autodrive 4.50 2.5 5-1
4 4 Bergen 6.00 4 8-1
1 1 Attache 8.00 6 11-1
9 9 Honky Tonk Highway 8.00 6 11-1
2 2 Machine Gun Man 12.00 10 19-1
8 8 Grand Academic 12.00 10 19-1
6 6 Shan 12.00 10 19-1
3 3 Gaza Heroico (CHI) 12.00 10 19-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
12 12 Sharp Mindset 3.50 1 2-1
11 11 Gus’s Gal 4.50 1.7 3-1
4 4 Click 6.00 2.7 5-1
10 10 Deceitful Banker 8.00 4 8-1
1 1 Daddario 8.00 4 8-1
2 2 Fresh Out 8.00 4 8-1
7 7 Twirling Claire 8.00 4 8-1
9 9 Auntie Vodka 8.00 4 8-1
8 8 My Blue Line (GB) 15.00 8.7 16-1
5 5 Pleasing 20.00 12 23-1
3 3 Baby Hello 20.00 12 23-1
6 6 Mo Echos 20.00 12 23-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
9 9 Danzig’s Dora 3.50 1 2-1
7 7 M K’s Rockette 4.50 1.9 4-1
5 5 Pam’s Friend 6.00 3.4 6-1
4 4 Honor and Obay 6.00 3.4 6-1
6 6 Well Received 6.00 3.4 6-1
1 1 Promesa Divina 8.00 5.2 10-1
2 2 Lolita J 8.00 5.2 10-1
3 3 Helena Baby 8.00 5.2 10-1
8 8 Ice Cold Blonde 12.00 9 17-1

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.