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
1 1 Girlie’s Max 2.50 1 2-1
4 4 Pasketee 4.00 1.9 4-1
10 10 Valid Deelite 5.00 2.4 5-1
6 6 Leisurely 6.00 3 6-1
8 8 Theboyz Warning 8.00 4.1 8-1
3 3 Deal Em Justice 8.00 4.1 8-1
5 5 I’m a Night Train 10.00 5.3 10-1
11 11 About the Business 10.00 5.3 10-1
7 7 Quik Punch 12.00 6.4 12-1
9 9 Live Affair 20.00 11 21-1
2 2 Anacreon 20.00 11 21-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 El Perfecto 2.00 1 2-1
6 6 Gucci Boy 4.00 2.2 4-1
4 4 Call My Banker 6.00 3.5 7-1
3 3 Castle Island 6.00 3.5 7-1
1 1 Path to Success 8.00 4.7 9-1
9 9 Foxtrot Harry 8.00 4.7 9-1
2 2 Polterer 10.00 5.9 11-1
7 7 Butler Cabin 12.00 7.2 14-1
8 8 Uxmal 15.00 9 17-1

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
4 4 Double Deals 3.00 1.5 3-1
8 8 Big Woods 4.50 2.2 4-1
5 5 Tears for Thee 6.00 2.9 5-1
6 6 Ohm Namo 8.00 3.7 7-1
9 9 Zyanaro 12.00 5.5 10-1
1 1 Sainted 15.00 6.8 13-1
7 7 Mercedes Morning 20.00 9 17-1
2 2 Louie Le Coeur 20.00 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
2 2 Clearly Credo 3.50 1.6 3-1
3 3 Viv’s Wild Aces 4.00 1.8 3-1
8 8 Wupkar 5.00 2.4 5-1
1 1 Don’tcallmepatsy 6.00 3 6-1
5 5 Poppy Red 8.00 4.1 8-1
6 6 Shamay 12.00 6.3 12-1
4 4 Cajun Catalina 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Spielman 2.50 1 2-1
7 7 Fierce Cat 3.50 1.4 3-1
6 6 Gobekli 4.00 1.6 3-1
3 3 Zoom There It Is 5.00 2 4-1
8 8 Heart Prints 6.00 2.4 5-1
5 5 Runner Runner 8.00 3.2 6-1
2 2 Gloryland Band 12.00 4.8 9-1
4 4 Hay Lover Boy 20.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Deftly Done 2.50 1 2-1
6 6 Silent Rage 3.50 1.6 3-1
7 7 Blazing Saber 4.50 2.1 4-1
4 4 Cali Dreamin 5.00 2.4 5-1
2 2 Asaasy 6.00 3 6-1
8 8 Peyton’s Day 8.00 4.1 8-1
1 1 Muncle 12.00 6.3 12-1
5 5 Kee Jee 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Divine Justice 2.50 1 2-1
1 1 Morunning 3.00 1.3 2-1
3 3 Purple Heart 4.00 1.8 3-1
2 2 Go Easy 5.00 2.4 5-1
6 6 Spamalot 8.00 4.1 8-1
5 5 The Monopoly Man 10.00 5.2 10-1
8 8 Two Dollars 12.00 6.3 12-1
7 7 Wolf Man Jack 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 The Thunderer 2.50 1 2-1
8 8 Knicks Story 3.50 1.5 3-1
9 9 Changing Times 5.00 2.3 4-1
1 1 Bind Faith 6.00 2.8 5-1
7 7 Iron in the Fire 8.00 3.8 7-1
10 10 Mobster Gun 10.00 4.9 9-1
3 3 Super Wise 12.00 5.9 11-1
4 4 Sam’s Promise 12.00 5.9 11-1
6 6 Napoleonic Code 15.00 7.4 14-1
5 5 Love Candy 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.