Today’s Horse Racing Picks: Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park & Santa Anita Analysis – January 16, 2026

Aqueduct Race 6

4 Imnodysfool showed a nice late turn of foot when sprinting on debut. Filly finished a strong third that day and looked like a horse who would relish a longer distance, which is the case today. Win Contender

5 Mathea showed little in debut but looked like a different horse when she stretched out to a mile in her second career start, finishing second in a field of 8. Another move forward today puts this gal right there at the wire. Win Contender 

6 Blue Note is a first time starter who sports a good Jockey/Trainer combo of Prat and Rice. Don’t Ignore

Selections 4-5-6-3

Aqueduct Race 7

4 Linarite has only 2 lifetime wins in 28 starts with both wins coming on the Turf. With all the want-the-lead types entered in here, I believe a closer can run them down in the stretch drive and this 7-year old fits the bill. I do prefer her on turf but she’ll offer solid value in a race that has no world beaters. Win Contender

8 Majestic Return makes her third start off the layoff, sports the highest speed figures and makes her second start for a trainer that hits at 38% winners when his newbies make their second start for his barn. Win Contender

2 Elegant was unchallenged early and went gate to wire versus tougher. Mare will have pressure early today and I dont see this gal hanging on for the W. She drops in class off a win which I don’t care for. Use Underneath

Selections 4-8-2-5

Gulfstream Park Race 9

5 Magna Time is a Woodbine shipper who has success on both Synthetic and Turf surfaces north of the border. If she takes to the first time dirt today, I believe he can make some noise in here at a price. Live Longshot 

4 Solo Venturi has been knocking heads with some salty competition of late and has been training lights out. Win Contender 

2 Stars and Stripes is another here who has been looking sharp in the morning works. Colt had back to back victories in which he won by a combined 18- lengths last year. HE disappointed in the Dwyer Stakes but that was a tough ask,coming off an extended layoff. Win Contender

1 Batton Down is the class here but hasn’t seen race day in over 9-months. If he’s anywhere near 100% fit he wins. I just prefer to see a race before betting him at 2-1. Use Underneath 

Selections 5-4-2-1

Santa Anita Race 8

5 Please Focus was claimed for 16k and now runs for a 25k tag after finishing second by just a head versus weaker. Trainer Steve Knapp must like what he she’s with this Gelding to step him up in class off the claim. This one’s 1/35 bullet adds to the intrigue. Live Longshot

2 Code Duello is a front runner with sharp early speed whose work tab is dotted with bullets. He’ll play catch me if you can today. Win Contender

3 Simplexity will benefit from a likely hot pace. Don’t Ignore

Selections 5-2-3-10

Stogie Wagers for Today

Aqueduct Race 6

$10 WP #4 Imnobodysfool =$20

Gulfstream Park Race 9

$10WPS #5 Magna Time

.50cent Trifecta Box 1,2,4,5 =$42

Santa Anita Race 8

$10WPS #5 Please Focus

$1 Exacta Box 2,3,5 =$36 

Today’s Bankroll $98