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
8 8 Ancho 3.00 1.5 3-1
3 3 Shelbi’s Star 4.50 2.4 4-1
1 1 Cincy’s Player 6.00 3.2 6-1
7 7 Onedayatatime 8.00 4.2 8-1
4 4 Lady Santa Maria 10.00 5.3 10-1
6 6 Tiz a Breakup 12.00 6.4 12-1
5 5 Justforme 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Takeittothehouse 2.50 1 2-1
1 1 Lady Frijoles 3.50 1.5 3-1
9 9 Thisoneisforyou 4.00 1.7 3-1
3 3 Tarkington Sunrise 6.00 2.6 5-1
2 2 Miss St. Claire 8.00 3.5 7-1
8 8 Real Silk 8.00 3.5 7-1
6 6 D’busker 12.00 5.3 10-1
5 5 Too Spicy 15.00 6.7 13-1
7 7 Norma Jean Bling 20.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Blackberry Crown 3.00 1 2-1
1 1 Yankee Prince 4.00 1.5 3-1
9 9 Ole Mister 4.50 1.8 3-1
7 7 Closing With Honor 6.00 2.6 5-1
5 5 Mr Digits 8.00 3.7 7-1
3 3 Ongoing Challenge 8.00 3.7 7-1
8 8 Money Drop 12.00 5.8 11-1
6 6 Robbiesstormangel 12.00 5.8 11-1
10 10 Minimus Maximus 15.00 7.4 14-1
4 4 Lil J. Henry 20.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 My Southern Girl 2.50 1 2-1
7 7 Cheyenne Moon 4.00 1.8 3-1
8 8 Glitters Andie 4.50 2.1 4-1
1 1 Star of Astrology 5.00 2.4 5-1
2 2 Pitchatizzy 5.00 2.4 5-1
4 4 Bodi Odi 8.00 4.1 8-1
5 5 Railey Jean 12.00 6.3 12-1
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 1.8 3-1
6 6 Howiewin 4.00 2.1 4-1
2 2 El Gansito 5.00 2.6 5-1
8 8 Stray Lightning 10.00 5.3 10-1
1 1 Choctaw Strategy 10.00 5.3 10-1
5 5 R Too Feisty 12.00 6.4 12-1
4 4 Hadda Have It 15.00 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 1.2 2-1
9 9 Arromax 5.00 2.1 4-1
5 5 Aller Vite 6.00 2.6 5-1
6 6 Ambiguous 6.00 2.6 5-1
1 1 Iron Moon 8.00 3.5 7-1
3 3 Pure Malice 12.00 5.3 10-1
4 4 Homeland Messa 20.00 9 17-1
7 7 Tiz Marks Spirit 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
4 4 Mazing Mark 3.00 1.5 3-1
1 1 Max Is G Money 4.00 1.9 4-1
6 6 Ice’m Up Boys 5.00 2.4 4-1
7 7 Interlude 8.00 3.8 7-1
3 3 Tango Mike Mike 8.00 3.8 7-1
2 2 Riverwalk 15.00 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
11 11 Dixie Strong 3.50 1.6 3-1
10 10 Ruiz Junior 4.00 1.9 4-1
4 4 Puckster 5.00 2.6 5-1
9 9 Notime Formischief 6.00 3.2 6-1
6 6 Whatdidwedo 8.00 4.5 8-1
2 2 Like Clockwork 8.00 4.5 8-1
7 7 Lincoln Production 10.00 5.7 11-1
5 5 Chahta Citizen 15.00 8.9 17-1
8 8 Taurean 20.00 12 23-1
12 12 Captain Dakota 20.00 12 23-1
3 3 Straight Dropbilly 20.00 12 23-1

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.