Aqueduct Horse Racing Picks for Friday, January 23, 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 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Always Honest 4.50 1 2-1
4 4 You’re Lookin Good 5.00 1.7 3-1
6 6 Takahama 2.00 1.8 3-1
3 3 Big Brooklyn 2.50 2.3 4-1
1 1 Vinnie Bankerino 3.50 2.7 5-1
2 2 Calvary Hill 10.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Acoustic Ave 3.50 1 2-1
2 2 Baby Yoda 3.00 2.4 5-1
3 3 Bold Journey 2.50 2.6 5-1
4 4 General Banker 4.50 3.6 7-1
5 5 El Grande O 2.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Tahila 1.60 1 2-1
4 4 Sabby Sunset 1.40 1.9 3-1
2 2 Lookie Here 6.00 2.7 5-1
6 6 My Daughters’ Gift 20.00 5.2 10-1
7 7 Lady Meringue 5.00 SCRATCH
5 5 Tree House 20.00 SCRATCH
1 1 Powerful Jo 12.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Shoot the Nickel 0.80 1 2-1
6 6 Ez Roll 5.00 3.8 7-1
3 3 Taparino 10.00 4.5 8-1
1 1 King Phoenix 4.00 4.7 9-1
7 7 Solar Glare 12.00 6 11-1
5 5 Always Be Smart 6.00 6 11-1
2 2 Messi the Magician 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Optional Claiming) – Maiden Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Call Me Jal 6.00 1 2-1
4 4 Backstreets 4.50 1.5 3-1
5 5 Carolannie 8.00 1.7 3-1
9 9 Kay Road 6.00 1.7 3-1
2 2 Strike a Rose 4.00 3.5 7-1
7 7 Maizey Blue 3.50 3.9 7-1
6 6 Beau Hill 8.00 4 8-1
3 3 Think I’m in Love 8.00 SCRATCH
8 8 Truda 15.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 6 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Brave Buck 2.50 1 2-1
6 6 Apollo Code 1.60 1.9 4-1
3 3 Skytown 10.00 2 4-1
2 2 Smilensaycheese 5.00 3.1 6-1
4 4 Forgone 3.50 4.3 8-1
1 1 Liberty Rising 15.00 6.3 12-1
7 7 Camm’ Duke 15.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Rachel’s Rock 2.50 1 2-1
1 1 Mitole’s Girl 3.50 3.2 6-1
3 3 She’s Complicated 12.00 4.3 8-1
8 8 Serenading Kitten 12.00 4.4 8-1
5 5 Toxic Girl 4.50 4.6 9-1
10 10 Top of the Table 6.00 4.7 9-1
4 4 That’s Funny 6.00 4.9 9-1
9 9 Poetic Amy 20.00 5.8 11-1
7 7 Gregorian Solo 15.00 6.3 12-1
2 2 Amity Island 30.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
10 10 Beck’s Dreamer 1.00 1 2-1
9 9 Freedom Maker 6.00 2.4 5-1
7 7 Powered by Coal 5.00 2.6 5-1
5 5 How About It 8.00 2.8 5-1
1 1 The Hero Code 15.00 3.1 6-1
6 6 Down the Line 15.00 4.4 8-1
8 8 Enduring Angel 12.00 5.1 10-1
2 2 Jamaica Redd 30.00 7.7 15-1
3 3 Daytona Moonshine 15.00 8 15-1
4 4 Saint Solomon 15.00 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.