Fair Grounds 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
6 6 Francesnfriends 3.00 1 2-1
7 7 John’s June 2.50 1.1 2-1
5 5 Mary Claire 3.00 1.6 3-1
4 4 Naykesh 6.00 2.3 4-1
1 1 Arguing Louise 12.00 2.4 5-1
2 2 Rainy Day 8.00 4.4 8-1
3 3 Global Value 8.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Disco Ball 4.00 1 2-1
3 3 Show Time 1.20 3.1 6-1
5 5 Briterdayzahead 5.00 3.3 6-1
2 2 Guanare 3.00 5.4 10-1
6 6 Carambaso 8.00 5.8 11-1
1 1 Lucky Romance 10.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Charco 3.00 1 2-1
3 3 G’wildcat 2.50 1.2 2-1
5 5 Myglorybee 3.50 1.6 3-1
6 6 Our Determination 15.00 2.3 4-1
7 7 Late September 5.00 2.5 5-1
4 4 Prodigy Paradise 6.00 4.5 9-1
1 1 Speightful One 5.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
10 10 Enlighten 2.50 1 2-1
2 2 Contemplation 3.50 5.2 10-1
4 4 Skipper’s Pride 6.00 5.3 10-1
5 5 Baltimore Heart 15.00 5.6 11-1
7 7 Bebedouro 8.00 6.6 12-1
3 3 Hard to Fathom 15.00 6.8 13-1
9 9 Polar Bear Plunge 6.00 6.8 13-1
6 6 Bold Discovery 20.00 7.5 14-1
11 11 Machine Gun Man 6.00 SCRATCH
1 1 Big Salt Lick 12.00 SCRATCH
13 13 Interlock Empire 3.50 SCRATCH
8 8 Steppin Silver 5.00 SCRATCH
12 12 Raising Kane 6.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Jailhouse Religion 1.20 1 2-1
5 5 Y City 4.50 1.1 2-1
3 3 Lady Dixie 8.00 1.2 2-1
6 6 Keen Gal 12.00 1.9 4-1
1 1 Promesa Divina 12.00 3 6-1
7 7 Moor to Conquer 15.00 3.7 7-1
2 2 Lyla’s Golden Gal 15.00 5.3 10-1
8 8 Kisses for Cooper 3.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 6 (Allowance) – Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Bosun 2.50 1 2-1
4 4 Vesture 3.00 2.9 5-1
3 3 Amoudi Bay 8.00 4.7 9-1
5 5 Marcus Gift 6.00 5.5 10-1
6 6 Mega Magic 4.50 5.9 11-1
8 8 Sassi D 10.00 6.8 13-1
2 2 Snare 6.00 7.5 14-1
7 7 Vamos Carlitos 12.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Maiden Optional Claiming) – Maiden Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Kazoom 3.00 1 2-1
5 5 A Cab On the Rocks 6.00 3.1 6-1
6 6 Halo Music 2.50 3.2 6-1
7 7 Final War 8.00 SCRATCH
8 8 Props 12.00 4.2 8-1
2 2 Midnight Mischief 20.00 5.6 11-1
1 1 Festivo 8.00 7.1 13-1
4 4 Bird the Legend 3.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Wicked as Haggart 2.50 1 2-1
10 10 Mi Solution 12.00 2.8 5-1
3 3 Turf Monster 8.00 3.5 7-1
1 1 Coffee County 15.00 3.8 7-1
8 8 Southscape 3.50 4 8-1
5 5 Bob’s Channel 12.00 4.3 8-1
7 7 Titanium Deal 20.00 4.5 8-1
4 4 Mysterious Spirit 8.00 4.7 9-1
9 9 Captivating Star 4.00 4.8 9-1
11 11 American Dollars 15.00 5.2 10-1
2 2 Moment of Stardom 20.00 SCRATCH
12 12 A Passive Nobody 8.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 9 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Lil Bro Coop 4.50 1 2-1
3 3 Dixie Doctor 3.00 1 2-1
4 4 License to Steal 8.00 1.1 2-1
2 2 Hexcel 5.00 1.4 3-1
8 8 Wayllen Richard 4.00 2.5 5-1
6 6 No Take Backs 4.50 2.7 5-1
5 5 Crecencio 10.00 3.9 7-1
7 7 Kah Nigh 20.00 8 15-1

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.