Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Saturday, December 30, 2023

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 (Joe Hernandez S.) – Joe Hernandez S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
Forbidden Kingdom 0 0-1
10 10 Turn On The Jets (IRE) 5.00 1 2-1
2 2 Balnikhov (IRE) 4.00 1.1 2-1
4 4 Forbidden Kingdom 3.00 2 4-1
5 5 Peaceful Waters 6.00 3.1 6-1
1 1 Lucky Score 5.00 3.3 6-1
9 9 Tahoe Sunrise 4.00 4.1 8-1
6 6 I’m A Gambler (IRE) 5.00 4.7 9-1
12 12 Front Run the Fed 15.00 4.7 9-1
3 3 Daniel’s Magic 12.00 5.3 10-1
13 13 Dancing Buck 6.00 6.1 11-1
11 11 Olympic Runner 8.00 6.4 12-1
8 8 Johnny Podres 30.00 6.7 13-1
7 7 Lovesick Blues 6.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 King Zog 1.80 1 2-1
1 1 Bluegrass Ryder 8.00 1.6 3-1
6 6 The Giants Candy 2.50 2 4-1
4 4 Grand Tiger 1.60 3 6-1
3 3 Venom 12.00 3.9 7-1
5 5 Mongolian Gold 10.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Robert J. Frankel S.) – Robert J. Frankel S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
Angel Nadeshiko 0 0-1
6 6 Yerwanthere (IRE) 2.00 1 2-1
5 5 Oakhurst 2.50 2 4-1
1 1 Lakota Spirit 2.50 3.2 6-1
4 4 Luminiferous 8.00 3.4 6-1
3 3 Angel Nadeshiko 5.00 4.6 9-1
2 2 Rebel Girl 8.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Settecento 5.00 1 2-1
4 4 Direct Line 2.50 1.4 3-1
5 5 Zimba Warrior 4.00 1.8 3-1
3 3 Good Juju 2.50 3.1 6-1
2 2 Big Buzz 2.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 2 Lamporghini 2.00 1 2-1
6 5 O K Rose 2.50 1.3 2-1
2 1 Quick Kate 2.50 2.7 5-1
5 4 Almost Got Lucky 8.00 2.9 6-1
4 3 Be a Goldfish 6.00 3.8 7-1
7 6 Sneaker 6.00 4.5 9-1
1 98 Signora Vittoria 0.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 6 (Starter Optional Claiming) – Starter Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Hondo Crouch 1.80 1 2-1
1 1 Del Mar Jerry 2.50 2.3 4-1
2 2 Bendettijoe 2.00 4.5 9-1
5 5 Quincy Market 4.50 4.8 9-1
4 4 Dual Threat 8.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Midnight Love 5.00 1 2-1
1 1 Mr. Chivas 6.00 1.7 3-1
6 6 Naukanauka 20.00 3.9 7-1
8 8 Sharp Lorenzo 8.00 4 8-1
11 11 Sunset Storm 6.00 4.7 9-1
4 4 Smiling Jojo 3.50 5.2 10-1
3 3 Letshaveonemore 8.00 5.6 11-1
5 5 Mischievous Dylan 30.00 7.2 14-1
10 10 Polis 12.00 7.6 14-1
2 2 Audible Silence 15.00 8.9 17-1
12 98 Running Tiger 0.00 SCRATCH
9 9 Lettheliquortalk 4.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Antibes 4.00 1 2-1
5 5 Ghostly Act 2.50 2.5 5-1
1 1 Maxville 15.00 4.3 8-1
4 4 Dark Marcus 4.00 5.4 10-1
3 3 Get the Gold 3.50 5.6 11-1
8 8 Be Punctual 4.00 5.7 11-1
7 7 Toppers Wager 15.00 6.4 12-1
6 6 Bert’s Prospect 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
12 12 Lansdowne (GB) 3.50 1 2-1
8 8 Ferociously 6.00 1.6 3-1
5 5 Curly Esa 12.00 2.5 5-1
11 11 Magnificent Ride 6.00 2.7 5-1
2 2 Elevado 6.00 4.4 8-1
3 3 Muhammad Ali (PER) 20.00 4.6 9-1
1 1 Conch Daddy 30.00 4.8 9-1
4 4 Hot Memories 20.00 5.1 10-1
9 9 Big Splash 12.00 5.2 10-1
10 10 Tenth Street Don 4.00 5.3 10-1
7 7 Crosskirk 30.00 SCRATCH
6 6 Buck Owens 5.00 SCRATCH

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.