Thursday 1/8/26 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Ron Nicoletti: Gulfstream Thursday Full-Card Picks 1/8

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January 7, 2026 | By 1/ST BET

The Pegasus World Cup Bankroll Builder begins Thursday for 1/ST BET and Xpressbet players. Bet $25 on the Gulfstream Park card and receive a $5 wagering credit to be deposited prior to the Jan. 24 huge day of racing in South Florida. The PWC Bankroll Builder will be offered each racing day through Jan. 23, giving 10 opportunities for players to earn up to $50 in credits. To help you get started, Gulfstream Park track handicapper Ron Nicoletti has his Thursday full-card picks.

Race 1:
7 Always Ready
9 Greatest
6 Reina Del Viento

Race 2:
1 Risk Factor
4 Nero Tulip (GB)
2 King Julien

Race 3:
3 My Girl Nina
5 Viable Asset
7 Coded Elegance

Race 4:
5 Face the Music
4 Speightfulelection
2 Sara’s Rose

Race 5:
3 Simo At the Big A
1 Spectacle
6 Eyes On the Ground

Race 6:
4 My Voodoo Doll
6 Java Buzz
1 Sticky McShnickens

Race 7
7 Coffee At K J’s
5 Adversary
3 Mila’s Wish

Race 8:
1 Laser
8 Complexed
4 Ramses the Great

Race 9:
6 Contrary (BB)
2 Sherbini
4 Palm Desert

Race 10:
5 Bramble Blast (LS)
1 Catalonia
8 Pulstar

Best Bet: Race 9 Contrary
--Stretches out to the 1-turn mile
--Sharp 2nd going 7-1/2 furlongs at Churchill Downs
-- B Walsh 19% with the stretchout.

Longshot: R10: 5 Bramble Blast
--Sharp maiden win sprinting going 6 on Aqueduct grass 2 back
-- Troubled trip at Laurel last out
-- Has speed and jock (J Ruiz) to spring the upset.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Scott Shapiro: Santa Anita Spot Plays | Thursday 1/8

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January 7, 2026 | By Scott Shapiro

After a week filled with weather issues, racing reconvenes on Thursday afternoon in Arcadia, California with a card that kicks off at 3 pm ET and noon PT. The 9-race slate is headlined by the Robert J. Frankel (G3) for older fillies and mares traveling 1 1/8-miles over the Santa Anita sod. The featured event goes as Race 7 and is not only included in the standard late horizontal sequences, but also in the $3 Late Pick 3 and $3 All Turf Pick 3. Here are a few horses I like on the card, including my pick in the headliner.

Race 4:

My first play of the racing week comes in this MSW event for 3YO fillies traveling 6-furlongs over the main track where I am not in love with the chances of those that have competed in the afternoons already. This gives one of the debut runners entered a big shot to win at first asking. #10 French Blue is the one likeliest to take serious public support. The Three Chimneys Farm homebred comes in off a long series of drills for Bob Baffert. The Gun Runner filly draws to the far outside and looks like a runner, but her price is almost certain to be too short to gamble on. I prefer the likely value of fellow first-time starter #5 Red Cherry. The daughter of Rock Your World comes in off a series of solid local drills for veteran conditioner John Sadler and has some pedigree on the dam side to win early. In fact, her dam Harbor Mist finished in second first out of the box and followed it up with a pair of wins, while half-sister Crazy Hot won by a pole at Santa Anita on debut in May ’23. Hopefully, Emisael Jaramillo can get him out of the gate and into the race.

Play: #5 Red Cherry (8-1 ML)


Race 5:

I will likely play a Daily Double starting in Race 4 into this second-level allowance at 6-furlongs over the grass where there appears to be a plethora of early speed types signed on. I am hopeful California-bred #8 Young Love can use her ability to get out of the gate well and outside draw to take advantage. The daughter of Grazen definitely is gal that likes to be up and on the pace as well, but I like the way she settled last time at Del Mar in her half-length victory against lesser. She has a win in her only start over this course and distance and should benefit from the outside post given the likely race shape. It will be up to jockey Armando Aguilar to avoid getting caught up in a likely early tussle for the second consecutive race. If he can do so, he has a shot to spring the upset and make it 5 for 8 in this filly’s career.

Play: #8 Young Love (10-1 ML)


Race 7: Robert J. Frankel (G3)

The feature drew a field of 8 to travel the 9-furlong distance over the grass, but it looks like a two-mare race on paper. #1 Public Assembly was made the 9-5-ML favorite over #5 Paradise Lake after finishing ahead of her last time out in the Red Carpet (G3) at Del Mar. Public Assembly certainly is capable of besting Paradise Lake once again in their first start of 2026, but I was underwhelmed by her inability to seal the deal despite a perfect pocket trip throughout. Paradise Lake did not have a poor trip in the aforementioned late November event in San Diego, but was two-wide most of the way and further off a moderate pace. The pace is not likely to be overly quick in this year’s Frankel either, but I give Paradise Lake the edge nonetheless. The Peter Eurton trainee has earned all three of her career victories over this turf course and should appreciate the cutback to 1 1/8-miles. She will be tough to deny if jockey Juan Hernandez can avoid leaving her with too much to do late.

Play: #5 Paradise Lake (2-1 ML)

[ConleyPicks]

Gulfstream Park Hotlist - January 8


Jan. 07, 2026

By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman

Hot List Key:

A : A preferred horse to watch B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches in the final 3 minutes and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4^th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

1st race – (7) Always Ready comes off a nice maiden score and should handle this field of winners. (9) Greatest also exits a maiden win and looks like the main rival. (1) Cairo Comedy will be helped by a rail trip. (3) Rogue Runner is worth a look in this field. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-7-9.

3rd race – (3) My Girl Nina drops in class and gets a positive rider switch. Looks best here. (5) Viable Asset seems like a promising firster. (7) Coded Elegance looks like another firster with some potential. (1) Cheri Cheri Lady could contend from the rail. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-7.

5th race – (3) Simo At the Big A drops in class and adds Lasix. Gets the nod in this field. (10) Vekoma Velocity had a miserable debut but should fare better here. (2) Cerberus could make his presence felt at the end. (5) Sim Sala Bim has been freshened and may return with a sharp try. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5-10.

7th race – (3) Mila’s Wish stumbled last time and didn’t fire. Gets a second chance here. (2) Transactional Guy fits nicely in this field. (4) Messagefromtheking may like the shorter distance. (5) Adversary should be a threat on his best effort. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-5.

9th race – (6) Contrary was a game second last time. Gets the win here. (2) Sherbini seems ready for a good try after moving to Pletcher’s barn. (4) Palm Desert has speed and could hang around until the end. (7) Royal Poppy might pose a late threat. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-7.

[ConleyPicks]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Santa Anita Park
PURCHASE

Santa Anita Park - Race 2	Win ($2) / Place ($2) / Show ($2) / Exacta ($1) / Trifecta ($1) Superfecta ($.10) / RollingDouble ($2) / Rolling Pick 3 ($1) Early Pick 4 ($.50)
Claiming $16,000 • 1 Mile • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 101 • Purse: $26,000 • Post: 12:33
FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE NOVEMBER 8 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000 (MAIDEN AND CLAIMING RACES FOR $12,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Lone Front-runner. CRYPTO RIDE is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * CRYPTO RIDE: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. MANIATIC (IRE): Horse's win percentage at today's d istance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. CONTRARY CHIEFTAIN: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. RESEMBLANCE: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. TAISHAN: Hor se ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
3	CRYPTO RIDE	3/1	9/2
4	MANIATIC (IRE)	5/2	5/1
1	CONTRARY CHIEFTAIN	8/1	8/1
7	RESEMBLANCE	5/1	10/1
6	TAISHAN	8/1	10/1

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P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
3	CRYPTO RIDE	3	3/1	Front-runner	97	94	83.2	87.3	79.3
1	CONTRARY CHIEFTAIN	1	8/1	Stalker	100	99	82.4	79.0	71.0
5	ELEGANT BOY	5	20/1	Alternator/Stalker	93	81	72.8	88.4	78.9
4	MANIATIC (IRE)	4	5/2	Trailer	104	100	78.8	96.1	91.6
6	TAISHAN	6	8/1	Trailer	98	92	76.8	90.6	83.6
7	RESEMBLANCE	7	5/1	Trailer	100	93	71.6	88.6	79.6
8	SPUN NOT STIRRED	8	5/1	Trailer	97	85	69.2	83.2	69.2
2	BIG JUANITO	2	6/1	Alternator/Non-contender	92	93	70.8	85.2	74.7

[ConleyPicks]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Delta Downs
PURCHASE

Delta Downs - Race 5	Exacta/Trifecta (.50 min.)/Superfecta (.10 min.) Daily Double (Races 5-6)($1 min.)/Pick 3 (Races 5-7)/Pick 4 (Races 5-8)
Maiden Claiming $10,000 • 6 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 69 • Purse: $17,500 • Post: 6:39P
FOR MAIDENS, FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Lone Trailer. EASY EDDIE A is the Lone Trailer of the race, but has been deemed a non-contender due to a low Platinum Figure or other overall low ratings. * KEY ANGLES * JAMESY'S EMPIRE: Horse is dropping in class, has an inside post po sition and isn't a Trailer. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. MISCHIEVOUS SMILE: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layof f. FIERCE CAT: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
1	JAMESY'S EMPIRE	5/2	3/1
4	MISCHIEVOUS SMILE	9/2	5/1
7	FIERCE CAT	7/2	5/1

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P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
3	ZOOM THERE IT IS	3	10/1	Front-runner	0	0	49.3	30.3	18.8
7	FIERCE CAT	7	7/2	Alternator/Front-runner	69	66	54.8	54.4	46.9
4	MISCHIEVOUS SMILE	4	9/2	Alternator/Stalker	70	56	65.6	55.0	51.5
1	JAMESY'S EMPIRE	1	5/2	Alternator/Stalker	74	66	53.8	63.9	61.4
8	JAMIAN	8	15/1	Alternator/Stalker	0	0	24.5	40.4	31.9
6	EASY EDDIE A	6	8/1	Trailer	59	45	25.2	37.4	28.4
9	IWANNABEAMACHOMAN	9	6/1	Alternator/Non-contender	0	0	68.3	28.4	15.9
5	SAILOR MIKE	5	15/1	Alternator/Non-contender	0	0	0.0	0.0	0.0

Unknown Running Style: M TIZ ME (10/1) [Jockey: Barrera Elio J - Trainer: Mojica Edith A].

[ConleyPicks]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Charles Town

PURCHASE
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 8 - Allowance - 7.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $31700 Class Rating: 75

FOR ACCREDITED WEST VIRGINIA-BRED FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 8 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 8 ALLOWED 4 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 2 ENTICE ME 8/5
# 6 FIBER NETWORK 2/1
# 4 FIBER PROOF 3/1

My selection here is ENTICE ME. With a decent 75 speed figure last time out, will clearly be a factor in this contest. Is a strong contender based on numbers put up as of late under today's conditions. FIBER NETWORK - Reliable average Equibase Speed Figs in dirt sprint races make this horse a solid choice. Look for a very good pace improvement from this pony who enters with second time Lasix today. FIBER PROOF - The average class fig alone makes this one a key contender. Has been racing soundly and has among the best speed in the race for today's distance.

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[ConleyPicks]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE





Fair Grounds - Race #10 - Post: 5:15pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $14,000 Class Rating: 55

Rating:

#2 SHOW' EM NOLA (ML=6/1)
#12 MARY CLAIRE (ML=10/1)


SHOW' EM NOLA - Ran against 'open' company last time out, in with state breds today. For my money, a bullet workout is the best indicator of readiness there is. Look at that last one - 36.4. Very impressive. MARY CLAIRE - This filly is in superb condition right now. Finished third last time out and comes back promptly. This filly should be in tip-top shape, this far into her form cycle. The Brain taught me this angle. Watch for equines that show good speed, drop back, then run evenly with a closing kick. Past performance data show this horse with three improving Equibase speed figs. Vives should be on a horse ready to go right here in this race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 MO DIVA (ML=2/1), #6 FRANCESNFRIENDS (ML=4/1), #11 MOM'S HANDS (ML=6/1),

MO DIVA - No picnic to wager on any thoroughbred in a short distance clash at 2/1 when she hasn't shown any competitive efforts in sprints in the last couple of months. This mare didn't do too much last time out. FRANCESNFRIENDS - Will be tough for this thoroughbred to beat this bunch off of that last fig. Unlikely to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's class rating, so put her on the questionable challengers list. MOM'S HANDS - This less than sharp equine ran a disappointing speed fig in the last race. She shouldn't improve and will probably lose today running that fig.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Bet on #2 SHOW' EM NOLA to win if you can get at least 6/5 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [2,12]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Skip
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Pass

[ConleyPicks]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Turf Paradise

PURCHASE
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 4 - Maiden Claiming - 5.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10000 Class Rating: 57

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 121 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,500. ARIZONA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 3 STANDARD PRESSURE 8/5
# 2 EVANS VALLEY GIRL 4/1
# 1 BY THE LAW 10/1

STANDARD PRESSURE looks to be a quite good contender. Ought to compete quite well in the early speed clash which bodes well with this group. Has a sharp shot here if you like back class. Is worth looking at and may be a wager - strong speed figures (52 average) at today's distance and surface recently. EVANS VALLEY GIRL - Always good to invest in a conditioner with this kind of solid win percentage - 24 percent - at this distance & surface. Could wake up with Lasix change (on Lasix) today.

[ConleyPicks]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE





Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #2 - Post: 12:43pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,200 Class Rating: 62

Rating:

#6 NOBLE SOUL (ML=5/1)


NOBLE SOUL - This is a classic 'Lone Front-runner' scenario. If Hernandez gets him out of the gate cleanly it'll likely be smooth sailing.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 BOZAANO (ML=5/2), #7 GAME MAKER (IRE) (ML=3/1), #3 RAR (ML=7/2),

BOZAANO - December 8th is the last time we've seen this gelding around. Have to be a little bit leery. This gelding is always around, but just doesn't finish first. Hard to play him on the front end. GAME MAKER (IRE) - Recorded a most unsatisfactory speed figure in the last race in a $5,000 Maiden Claiming race on December 8th. Unlikely to see an improved performance off of that fig. RAR - Finished fifth in his most recent performance with a somewhat easily forgotten speed rating. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this bunch.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Go with #6 NOBLE SOUL on top if we're getting at least 1/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	None
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	None
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Skip

[ConleyPicks]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Dover Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 10 - Post: 7:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 94 - Purse:$27500 - DELAWARE OWNED OR BRED BLUE HEN OPEN BALLY`S DOVER.

CONSORTIUM CHOICES
	# 4 ITSROCKANDROLL A 5/2
# 1 PRIMO MASCHIO 12/1
# 5 MUSKATEER HANOVER 7/2

ITSROCKANDROLL A looks respectable to best this field of horses. He has been squaring off very well and the speed ratings are among the most respectable in the race. Achieved a 96 speed rating last out. A duplicate affair here should get the triumph here. With very good win stats, Tetrick should have this gelding in excellent position to win the outing. PRIMO MASCHIO - Has the perfect running style to best this field of horses, according to the pace markings. Top notch win clip combined with recent formidable performances. We think he can handle this group. MUSKATEER HANOVER - Feel the need for speed, this horse has been turning in some top notch speed ratings averaging around 95. Been competing with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class advantage. (Average Rating 93).

[ConleyPicks]

Handicapped by TrackMaster Greg at The Meadows

P#	PP	HORSE NAME	M/L	DRIVER - WIN%	POINTS
RACE 11
4	4	MARSEA BEAUCOUP	2/1	Palone, Dave - 26	480.30
5	5	SPARTACUS BLUECHIP	6/1	Miller, Jordon - 13	439.67
1	1	JBS CUPPA JO	7/2	Wrenn, Ronnie Jr - 25	434.23
3	3	FEAROFTHECREEK	3/1	Merriman, Aaron - 20	418.02
8	8	MATTEO	15/1	Indof, Jeremy - 11	415.71
7	7	SOUTHPORT BEACH	15/1	Barnard, Jesse - 4	403.93
6	6	DANCING MACHINE	20/1	Myers, Christian - 5	398.22
9	9	DOGFIGHT	20/1	Walters, Justin - 6	390.65
2	2	MAGNIFICENT MARK	20/1	Irvine, Justin - 11	383.26

[ConleyPicks]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 10 - Post: 3:10 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$3700 - $5000 CLAIMING/ALLOWANCES NW $1450 LAST 3 STARTS SCRATCHED - VICTOR HIC - JUDGES

CONSORTIUM CHOICES
	# 3 YS DO IT RIGHT 5/2
# 7 SMOKIN BY N 7/2
# 6 SEATTLE HANOVER 4/1

If you want a great play in this contest, feast your eyes on YS DO IT RIGHT. He's going to post in good form, recording very strong TrackMaster SRs. An excellent pick. He has great class figures, averaging 76. Should be considered for a bet for this one. Is a very compelling choice given the 71 speed figure from his most recent gathering. SMOKIN BY N - The consortium always likes a proven performer. This horse's high winning clip is proof of that. With a 74 average class ranking, this entrant has one of the most solid class edges in the group of animals. SEATTLE HANOVER - This race horse achieved a really strong TrackMaster SR last time out. Looks in fine form to come right back. Driver/trainer are a potent twosome when teaming up on a common fine animal. 5 percent ROI of late.

[ConleyPicks]

Handicapped by TrackMaster Greg at Miami Valley

P#	PP	HORSE NAME	M/L	DRIVER - WIN%	POINTS
RACE 12
5	5	IMA DIAMOND BABE	3/1	Yoder, James - 9	495.63
1	1	CV'S SERENA	2/1	Hanners, Luke - 6	485.02
6	6	SIX STICKS	4/1	Page, Chris - 15	463.29
4	4	TEXT ME MAYBE	20/1	Miller, David - 15	458.22
7	7	SAVANNAHS DREAM	20/1	Miller, Brett - 12	441.08
3	3	TCS BRENDA	4/1	Tetrick, Trace - 10	438.81
2	2	FOX VALLEY BRITZKA	20/1	Sutton, Josh - 4	437.27
8	8	MISSION VOYAGE	20/1	Mccown, Cameron - 5	428.92
9	9	FOX VALLEY CORSO	20/1	Hanners, Austin - 8	390.24

[ConleyPicks]

Free play from Mike Wynn

Free Pick: Minnesota -3 over Cleveland