Fair Grounds 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 Spirit to Inspire 3.50 1 2-1
4 4 Menty B 3.00 3.4 7-1
5 5 Lulu’s Magic 4.00 3.8 7-1
1 1 Safecracker Sue 5.00 4.1 8-1
7 7 My Lil Poker Face 5.00 SCRATCH
2 2 Great Owl 4.50 4.7 9-1
3 3 Twenty Four Grand 12.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Diamond Tiara 5.00 1 2-1
4 4 Torrey Pine 3.00 1.9 3-1
8 8 Y City 4.50 2.3 4-1
5 5 Keen Gal 4.00 2.4 4-1
7 7 Illy Simz 3.50 4.1 8-1
2 2 D’ Argonaut 20.00 4.9 9-1
6 6 Maiz’n Money 12.00 7 13-1
3 3 Pauline’s Angel 6.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Strong 8.00 1 2-1
6 6 Moral Man 4.50 2.1 4-1
1 1 Antiphon 6.00 2.5 5-1
7 7 One Tough Road 2.50 2.7 5-1
8 8 Standard Deduction 8.00 3.6 7-1
3 3 Struck Out 5.00 5 10-1
9 9 Brockton 8.00 5.8 11-1
4 4 Best Known Secret 15.00 5.8 11-1
5 5 Heavenly Beliefs 8.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Briterdayzahead 3.50 1 2-1
7 7 Just Ask Watts 2.50 4.3 8-1
4 4 Runnin Munnin 3.00 5.2 10-1
9 9 Strange Arrange 20.00 5.8 11-1
2 2 Twirling Roses 8.00 5.8 11-1
6 6 Kinsman Redeemer 4.50 6.8 13-1
8 8 Xander 15.00 7.3 14-1
1 1 Miri a Coincidence 20.00 8.6 16-1
5 5 Whiskey and Easy 20.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
9 9 Ramblin 2.50 1 2-1
1 1 Graceful Standard 5.00 4.8 9-1
8 8 Easy Munnings 6.00 5.3 10-1
6 6 September Silver 6.00 6 11-1
2 2 Mor Cheese Please 12.00 6.2 12-1
5 5 Brock’s Boy 20.00 8.1 15-1
7 7 Whiskey Bee Gone 10.00 8.4 16-1
3 3 Three Moons 8.00 8.4 16-1
4 4 Lucky N Lawless 4.50 8.8 17-1
10 10 Improbable Dream 12.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Hawija 3.00 1 2-1
1 1 Hard Line 3.50 2.4 4-1
3 3 Yockey’s Drivethru 3.50 2.9 5-1
7 7 Starry Eyed 3.50 4.7 9-1
4 4 Native Red 15.00 5 9-1
8 8 Achromedoutcat 8.00 6.6 13-1
6 6 Daddy’s Code 12.00 7.6 14-1
2 2 Starport 8.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Battle Drum (FR) 4.00 1 2-1
3 3 Lucky Mischief 3.00 2.3 4-1
9 9 Hammer of Justice 8.00 4.3 8-1
1 1 E Lion 5.00 4.7 9-1
12 12 Consecrated 8.00 5.9 11-1
10 10 Maki Monarchy 6.00 7.4 14-1
2 2 Date the Prince 10.00 7.6 14-1
6 6 Hard Scholar 12.00 8 15-1
11 11 Cash App Mike 30.00 11.2 21-1
7 7 No Take Backs 20.00 11.6 22-1
5 5 Jack Rabbit 20.00 11.8 22-1
8 8 High Ransom 20.00 12 23-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Proven Hope 3.50 1 2-1
7 7 I’m Your Man 4.00 2 4-1
10 10 All in Sync 5.00 2.5 5-1
9 9 Bigfoot Sighting 6.00 3.2 6-1
3 3 Pico d’Oro 8.00 3.5 7-1
5 5 Sendero 12.00 3.7 7-1
4 4 American Dollars 8.00 4.5 8-1
1 1 Daryl’s Bolt 6.00 5.8 11-1
2 2 Slava Ukraini 20.00 8.3 16-1
6 6 Crepe Yarns 20.00 10 19-1

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.