Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Monday, January 1, 2024

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 Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
Elegant 0 0-1
Elegant 0 0-1
8 8 Girl of My Dreams 2.50 1 2-1
3 3 Ellie Moore (IRE) 6.00 4.9 9-1
2 2 Hamble 4.00 5.2 10-1
1 1 Ashley 4.00 6.1 12-1
7 7 Elegant 5.00 6.7 13-1
6 6 Sweet Voyage 6.00 6.7 13-1
5 5 Shop Till You Drop 10.00 7.9 15-1
4 4 Runaway Kitten 12.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Prancingthruparis 3.00 1 2-1
1 1 Back On Track 2.50 2.5 5-1
4 4 Clubhouse Bride 0.80 3.2 6-1
3 3 Borntostaythirsty 8.00 3.5 7-1
2 2 Cocktail Cutie 12.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Starter Optional Claiming) – Starter Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Stay in Line 3.50 1 2-1
6 6 With Love (GB) 2.00 1.3 2-1
7 7 Firsttimeinforever 2.50 2.3 4-1
4 4 Mahina 3.00 3 6-1
3 3 One Smokin Moon 8.00 4.1 8-1
2 2 Jordan 15.00 5.9 11-1
5 5 Ropers N Wranglers 30.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Imagination 1.20 1 2-1
5 5 Indispensable 4.00 1.9 4-1
3 3 Maximum Capacity 5.00 2.8 5-1
4 4 Cornell 6.00 3.3 6-1
2 2 Leading 5.00 4.9 9-1
6 6 Aint No Joke 5.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Margot’s Boy 2.00 1 2-1
3 3 Jacks Outlaw 5.00 3.1 6-1
6 6 Taishan 2.50 3.2 6-1
4 4 Comradery (IRE) 6.00 3.9 7-1
1 1 Heir (FR) 8.00 5 10-1
7 7 Mike Operator 5.00 5.5 10-1
2 2 Mastermind 10.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 She’s My Niece 2.50 1 2-1
5 5 We’ll Do It Live 6.00 1.1 2-1
11 11 Mumbles Brockman 6.00 1.7 3-1
4 4 Lighting and Reign 5.00 3.8 7-1
6 6 Coconut Girl 8.00 4.2 8-1
3 3 High Flying Gracie 8.00 4.8 9-1
8 8 Jazzy Empress 12.00 4.9 9-1
10 10 Eleven Out of Ten 20.00 5.1 10-1
1 1 Love Honor and Pay 50.00 7.1 13-1
7 7 Eva’s Party 15.00 7.2 14-1
9 9 Envisioned 5.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Gregorian Chant (GB) 2.50 1 2-1
6 6 Lovesick Blues 5.00 2.5 5-1
2 2 Silver Surfer (GB) 4.00 2.7 5-1
4 4 Don’t Swear Dave 5.00 3 6-1
3 3 Zoffarelli (IRE) 4.00 3.4 6-1
1 1 Mas Rapido (GB) 3.50 3.9 7-1
5 5 Redline 15.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Las Flores S.) – Las Flores S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Hot Peppers 2.50 1 2-1
5 5 Violent Runner 4.00 3.5 7-1
1 1 Lady T 3.50 4.3 8-1
3 3 Sweet Azteca 1.20 4.4 8-1
4 4 Chismosa 8.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Shes Scintillating (IRE) 4.00 1 2-1
6 6 Spirit Rules 6.00 1.6 3-1
2 2 Not A Sinner (GB) 2.50 2.5 5-1
5 5 Alluring 2.00 5.3 10-1
7 7 Belle Epoque 12.00 6.6 12-1
9 9 Capo Sorella 20.00 6.7 13-1
8 8 Ms McWhinney 12.00 7.4 14-1
1 1 Sweet Gem 15.00 SCRATCH
3 3 Air Force Thunder 10.00 9 17-1

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.