Delta Downs Horse Racing Picks for Thursday, January 29, 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
2 2 Magical Deal 2.00 1 2-1
7 7 Onedayatatime 8.00 3.5 7-1
8 8 Ancho 3.00 3.6 7-1
3 3 Shelbi’s Star 4.50 5.1 10-1
1 1 Cincy’s Player 6.00 6.6 13-1
6 6 Tiz a Breakup 12.00 6.7 13-1
4 4 Lady Santa Maria 10.00 6.8 13-1
5 5 Justforme 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
9 9 Thisoneisforyou 4.00 1 2-1
3 3 Tarkington Sunrise 6.00 1.2 2-1
4 4 Takeittothehouse 2.50 1.4 3-1
5 5 Too Spicy 15.00 2.6 5-1
8 8 Real Silk 8.00 3.1 6-1
2 2 Miss St. Claire 8.00 4.1 8-1
7 7 Norma Jean Bling 20.00 4.8 9-1
6 6 D’busker 12.00 5.3 10-1
1 1 Lady Frijoles 3.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Yankee Prince 4.00 1 2-1
2 2 Blackberry Crown 3.00 1 2-1
8 8 Money Drop 12.00 2.5 5-1
10 10 Minimus Maximus 15.00 3.2 6-1
5 5 Mr Digits 8.00 3.7 7-1
4 4 Lil J. Henry 20.00 3.7 7-1
9 9 Ole Mister 4.50 3.9 7-1
3 3 Ongoing Challenge 8.00 3.9 7-1
7 7 Closing With Honor 6.00 SCRATCH
6 6 Robbiesstormangel 12.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Star of Astrology 5.00 1 2-1
8 8 Glitters Andie 4.50 1.8 3-1
3 3 My Southern Girl 2.50 2.4 4-1
4 4 Bodi Odi 8.00 2.8 5-1
7 7 Cheyenne Moon 4.00 4.3 8-1
2 2 Pitchatizzy 5.00 4.4 8-1
5 5 Railey Jean 12.00 4.9 9-1
6 6 Molli Way 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Wildcat Country 2.00 1 2-1
7 7 El Avion 3.50 1 2-1
5 5 R Too Feisty 12.00 2.7 5-1
4 4 Hadda Have It 15.00 3.1 6-1
6 6 Howiewin 4.00 4.4 8-1
8 8 Stray Lightning 10.00 5.6 11-1
1 1 Choctaw Strategy 10.00 6.5 12-1
2 2 El Gansito 5.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Feathers Road 2.50 1 2-1
8 8 After the Game 3.00 2.9 5-1
6 6 Ambiguous 6.00 3.1 6-1
5 5 Aller Vite 6.00 4.5 8-1
1 1 Iron Moon 8.00 4.5 8-1
9 9 Arromax 5.00 5.2 10-1
3 3 Pure Malice 12.00 6.2 12-1
7 7 Tiz Marks Spirit 20.00 7.4 14-1
4 4 Homeland Messa 20.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Authentic Gallop 2.00 1 2-1
3 3 Tango Mike Mike 8.00 1.1 2-1
4 4 Mazing Mark 3.00 1.8 3-1
2 2 Riverwalk 15.00 2.5 5-1
6 6 Ice’m Up Boys 5.00 4.8 9-1
1 1 Max Is G Money 4.00 5.3 10-1
7 7 Interlude 8.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 No Soy Borracho 2.50 1 2-1
4 4 Puckster 5.00 1.9 4-1
8 8 Taurean 20.00 3.6 7-1
2 2 Like Clockwork 8.00 3.6 7-1
6 6 Whatdidwedo 8.00 4.7 9-1
7 7 Lincoln Production 10.00 4.9 9-1
9 9 Notime Formischief 6.00 6.3 12-1
3 3 Straight Dropbilly 20.00 6.6 12-1
5 5 Chahta Citizen 15.00 7.7 15-1
11 11 Dixie Strong 3.50 SCRATCH
12 12 Captain Dakota 20.00 SCRATCH
10 10 Ruiz Junior 4.00 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.