Aqueduct Horse Racing Picks for Friday, January 16, 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
6 6 Kadena 1.20 1 2-1
3 3 Chocolatechocolate 2.50 1.7 3-1
5 5 Howling Wind 4.50 3.1 6-1
4 4 Carol T 6.00 3.8 7-1
1 1 Moonlight Gal 6.00 5.5 10-1
2 2 Saucy Six 12.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Sassy Princess 3.00 1 2-1
1 1 Sassafrassness 3.00 1.6 3-1
2 2 Brunch With Amy 3.50 3.7 7-1
6 6 Big Air 4.50 4.1 8-1
3 3 Heavenly Light 2.50 4.4 8-1
4 4 Baby Sassicaia 12.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Truthorconsequence 3.50 1 2-1
1 1 Tammy’s Cruiser 3.00 1.7 3-1
5 5 Mo Attitude 4.50 1.8 3-1
4 4 Auroralinna 2.00 2.4 5-1
3 3 Syl’s Pleasure 8.00 4.5 8-1
6 6 Gretna Green 4.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Cool Andy 4.00 1 2-1
7 7 House United 3.50 1.8 3-1
2 2 Aggregation 4.00 1.8 3-1
1 1 Dreambuilder 12.00 3.4 6-1
4 4 Cocktailsnkringle 8.00 4 8-1
6 6 Magical Ways 2.50 SCRATCH
5 5 Exploration 4.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Asking 1.60 1 2-1
6 6 So Vain 0.80 1.7 3-1
3 3 Golden Miracle 12.00 4.6 9-1
4 4 Hudson River Line 12.00 5.1 10-1
2 2 Icy Legs 10.00 5.4 10-1
7 7 Kef 20.00 5.8 11-1
1 1 Pencima 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Mathea 2.50 1 2-1
2 2 Rock Steady Babe 5.00 2.7 5-1
4 4 Imnobodysfool 3.00 2.9 6-1
7 7 Roseberns Dream 8.00 3.7 7-1
3 3 R U Bluffing 4.00 3.8 7-1
6 6 Blue Note 3.50 5.9 11-1
1 1 Battle Rifle 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Happy Valentine 6.00 1 2-1
5 5 Moon Gate 3.50 2.6 5-1
4 4 Linarite 5.00 3 6-1
8 8 Majestic Return 2.50 3.9 7-1
3 3 She’s Complicated 8.00 4.2 8-1
6 6 Dolce Sera 20.00 6.5 12-1
7 7 Five to Two 15.00 SCRATCH
2 2 Elegant 3.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Wait for Me 8.00 1 2-1
2 2 Kavanaugh 1.60 3.9 7-1
9 9 Maldini 4.50 4.4 8-1
4 4 Prince of Dance 8.00 4.9 9-1
8 8 Fiscal Drag 15.00 5.7 11-1
7 7 Grand Commander 10.00 6.1 12-1
3 3 Whitby 12.00 6.2 12-1
1 1 Solo Dancing 20.00 6.5 12-1
6 6 Fever Night 3.50 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.