Fair Grounds 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 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Doolgaroux 1.80 1 2-1
8 8 Cesium 5.00 1.7 3-1
2 2 Cash Holiday 8.00 2.4 5-1
7 7 I Bet You Wont 12.00 3.6 7-1
3 3 Vega Star 5.00 4.1 8-1
1 1 Patek 20.00 4.3 8-1
6 6 Seeking a Soldier 20.00 5 10-1
5 5 Party At Jays 2.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Romeo Spikes 2.50 1 2-1
1 1 I Got the Hint 3.00 2.3 4-1
5 5 Bayou Time 3.00 3.4 6-1
8 8 Such a Pickle 6.00 3.9 7-1
4 4 Andys Plan B 12.00 4.5 8-1
3 3 Magic On the Mike 20.00 5.2 10-1
9 9 Dulce Lorefiche 20.00 6.1 12-1
7 7 Azteca Storm 15.00 7.3 14-1
6 6 Joey D 10.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Luna C 8.00 1 2-1
1 1 Single Shot 5.00 1.1 2-1
9 9 Mardi Gras Empire 3.00 1.2 2-1
2 2 McZ 6.00 2.1 4-1
7 7 Corporal Paul 6.00 3.5 7-1
8 8 Star Byfar 4.50 3.9 7-1
10 10 Yorktown Panther 8.00 4.5 8-1
6 6 Social Solution 12.00 5.4 10-1
4 4 M L Brody’s Gem 20.00 8.2 15-1
5 5 Runforjustice 12.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Bette Davis 0.80 1 2-1
3 3 Midnight Blaze 4.50 4.7 9-1
4 4 Flowersforshantell 12.00 6 11-1
6 6 Talksalot 15.00 6.5 12-1
2 2 Roll Gypsy Roll 5.00 6.5 12-1
5 5 Simona’s Choice 12.00 7.1 13-1
8 8 Ruby the Destroyer 20.00 7.2 14-1
9 9 Lily’s Creed 8.00 7.5 14-1
7 7 Foreign Tourist 20.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 McKinzie’s Glory 3.50 1 2-1
5 5 Eskenforave and Ak 6.00 1.5 3-1
1 1 Sunday Slipper 4.00 2.6 5-1
4 4 Sky Low Low 12.00 3.5 7-1
2 2 Velveteen 20.00 4.7 9-1
8 8 Zettie 6.00 4.8 9-1
10 10 Sweet Aunt Rosie 10.00 6.2 12-1
12 12 Queen Wilhelmina 15.00 6.5 12-1
9 9 Fly Farther 12.00 7.1 13-1
3 3 American Select 12.00 7.3 14-1
11 11 Annabelle B 20.00 8.8 17-1
7 7 Skipper’s Ruby 12.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Finster 5.00 1 2-1
5 5 We Miss Arlington 3.00 1.6 3-1
1 1 Sponge Bath 4.50 2 4-1
3 3 Magic Castle 3.50 2.2 4-1
6 6 Gavel 8.00 3.5 7-1
4 4 Sweet La Crema 12.00 4.1 8-1
7 7 Peso in My Pocket 8.00 4.4 8-1
8 8 Midnight Pranks 4.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 7 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Bizzee Channel 3.00 1 2-1
7 7 Half Brother 8.00 2.6 5-1
4 4 Lamplighter Jack 15.00 3.2 6-1
2 2 Deccan Prince (IRE) 5.00 4 8-1
6 6 Summer in Adriane 4.00 4.3 8-1
8 8 Gorilla Trek 8.00 4.7 9-1
10 10 Z Z’s Prince 12.00 5.1 10-1
5 5 Tahoe Run 20.00 5.4 10-1
9 9 Golden Bandit 4.00 5.5 10-1
3 3 Courageously 20.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Top Notch Protocol 3.50 1 2-1
1 1 Lil Central 6.00 1.9 4-1
7 7 Vineaux 3.00 2.7 5-1
5 5 Who Is Chief 10.00 3.5 7-1
9 9 Remi 2.50 6.3 12-1
2 2 Ayden’s Edge 8.00 7.1 13-1
3 3 Zong’s Favor 20.00 8.2 15-1
8 8 Hear Thunder 15.00 8.2 16-1
6 6 A G’s Charlie 15.00 9 17-1

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.