Aqueduct, Gulfstream & Santa Anita Picks | Race-by-Race Horse Racing Analysis For January 2, 2026

Aqueduct Race 7

9 Hue makes her third start of the form cycle today for trainer Horacio De Paz, who hits at 23% winners off this angle. Mare has good tactical speed to lay just off the front runners in here and will try to run them down in the stretch drive. Dont sleep on this last out winner. Top Pick

8 Waveless impressed in debut for trainer Todd Pletcher when going gate-to-wire in a 80k Maiden Special Weight event over this main track here at the Big A . I wouldn’t be shocked if this Gun Runner Filly handles this field and wins right back. Win Contender 

4 Romantic Dancer ships in via Churchill after a disappointing 5th place finish. This Mare is better than her last race and fits well with these. Don’t Ignore

Selections 9-8-4-5

Aqueduct Race 8

7 Elegant appears to be the true speed in a race that lacks want-the-lead types. With the drop in class, look for Jockey Flavien Prat to send this daughter of Omaha Beach and try to take this group gate-to-wire today. Win Contender 

9 Chocolatechocolate drops in class after finishing 7th versus tougher. Before that disappointing effort, this gal had been no worse than second in his last 6 starts, including a good second two back versus tougher than this group. Win Contender 

4 Scarlet’s Dream must be considered as she makes her first start off the claim for trainer Keri Brion who hits at a sweet 25% winners when newbies make their first start in her stable. Don’t Ignore

Selections 7-9-4-6

Gulfstream Park Race 8

6 Nearly was an impressive 9-length while breaking Maiden in just his second career start for trainer Todd Pletcher. Colt’s gallop out was strong that day and his late pace numbers were sharp. This Colt offers the best value in this evenly matched race. Win Contender

4 Confessional is Keeneland shipper who ran a 93 Bris speed figure when winning on debut versus a large field of 11. Any repeat of that performance makes this Colt a player here. Win Contender 

2 Timeless Victory could make some noise in here at a price as this Colt gets first time Lasix. Colt won last out over this main track last out at a mile. Live Longshot

Selections 6-4-2-7

Santa Anita Race 5

7 Comedy Town has back class, runs first off a claim for a trainer that hits at 31% off that angle and sports the highest speed figures of this group. Looks like a recipe for a victory today. Top Pick

9 Red Flag is another in here who makes his first start in a new barn. 8 year old Gelding is 0 for 3 at Santa Anita. He exits a better than it looked 4th last out versus similar at Del Mar. Win Contender 

5 See it Through is a 9 year old veteran who continues to run well. Don’t sleep on this 19-time winner, yes 19- time winner!

Selections 7-9-5-1

Stogie Wagers for Today

Aqueduct Race 7

$10WPS #9 Hue
$2 Exacta Box 4,8,9 =$42

Gulfstream Park Race 8

$10WP #6 Nearly
$1 Trifecta Box 2,4,6=$26

Santa Anita Race 6

$10WP #7 Comedy Town
$5 Exacta Box 7,9
$1 Tri Box 5,7,9=$36

 Today’s Total Bankroll $104