Delta Downs Horse Racing Picks for Wednesday, January 21, 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
10 10 Valid Deelite 5.00 1 2-1
4 4 Pasketee 4.00 2.8 5-1
3 3 Deal Em Justice 8.00 3.1 6-1
7 7 Quik Punch 12.00 3.2 6-1
8 8 Theboyz Warning 8.00 3.7 7-1
6 6 Leisurely 6.00 3.8 7-1
9 9 Live Affair 20.00 4.6 9-1
1 1 Girlie’s Max 2.50 4.9 9-1
5 5 I’m a Night Train 10.00 5.5 10-1
2 2 Anacreon 20.00 7.4 14-1
11 11 About the Business 10.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 2 (Starter Optional Claiming) – Starter Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Call My Banker 6.00 1 2-1
3 3 Castle Island 6.00 1.5 3-1
2 2 Polterer 10.00 1.7 3-1
6 6 Gucci Boy 4.00 2.3 4-1
7 7 Butler Cabin 12.00 3.3 6-1
1 1 Path to Success 8.00 3.5 7-1
9 9 Foxtrot Harry 8.00 5.8 11-1
8 8 Uxmal 15.00 SCRATCH
5 5 El Perfecto 2.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Unlawful 1.80 1 2-1
5 5 Tears for Thee 6.00 2.2 4-1
4 4 Double Deals 3.00 2.3 4-1
8 8 Big Woods 4.50 2.3 4-1
7 7 Mercedes Morning 20.00 5.9 11-1
6 6 Ohm Namo 8.00 7.3 14-1
9 9 Zyanaro 12.00 7.6 14-1
2 2 Louie Le Coeur 20.00 8.2 15-1
1 1 Sainted 15.00 9 17-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 C C Short Drive 2.50 1 2-1
6 6 Shamay 12.00 2.9 5-1
3 3 Viv’s Wild Aces 4.00 3.3 6-1
2 2 Clearly Credo 3.50 4 8-1
4 4 Cajun Catalina 15.00 4.2 8-1
8 8 Wupkar 5.00 4.3 8-1
1 1 Don’tcallmepatsy 6.00 6.3 12-1
5 5 Poppy Red 8.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Fierce Cat 3.50 1 2-1
1 1 Spielman 2.50 2 4-1
5 5 Runner Runner 8.00 2.2 4-1
8 8 Heart Prints 6.00 2.3 4-1
3 3 Zoom There It Is 5.00 3.7 7-1
4 4 Hay Lover Boy 20.00 5.8 11-1
2 2 Gloryland Band 12.00 6 11-1
6 6 Gobekli 4.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Cali Dreamin 5.00 1 2-1
7 7 Blazing Saber 4.50 1.6 3-1
6 6 Silent Rage 3.50 2.3 4-1
3 3 Deftly Done 2.50 2.3 4-1
1 1 Muncle 12.00 2.7 5-1
2 2 Asaasy 6.00 3.1 6-1
5 5 Kee Jee 15.00 5.8 11-1
8 8 Peyton’s Day 8.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 7 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Divine Justice 2.50 1 2-1
2 2 Go Easy 5.00 2.7 5-1
6 6 Spamalot 8.00 4.4 8-1
1 1 Morunning 3.00 4.8 9-1
7 7 Wolf Man Jack 15.00 6.3 12-1
8 8 Two Dollars 12.00 6.9 13-1
5 5 The Monopoly Man 10.00 7.5 14-1
3 3 Purple Heart 4.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Iron in the Fire 8.00 1 2-1
1 1 Bind Faith 6.00 1.3 2-1
2 2 The Thunderer 2.50 1.5 3-1
10 10 Mobster Gun 10.00 2.4 4-1
6 6 Napoleonic Code 15.00 2.9 6-1
8 8 Knicks Story 3.50 3.6 7-1
4 4 Sam’s Promise 12.00 6.1 12-1
5 5 Love Candy 20.00 SCRATCH
3 3 Super Wise 12.00 SCRATCH
9 9 Changing Times 5.00 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.