Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Friday, January 26, 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
2 2 Lady Monclaire 2.50 1 2-1
6 6 Lamporghini 1.60 1.1 2-1
3 3 Fiamina 4.00 2.3 4-1
7 7 Sneaker 3.50 3.3 6-1
5 5 Where Is Zizi 8.00 4.9 9-1
4 4 Strikeflash 15.00 6.1 11-1
1 1 Lovme Likeafool 30.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Mr. Dreamcycle 1.80 1 2-1
2 2 Handsome Harry 2.00 1.1 2-1
3 3 Mr. Suds 2.50 1.7 3-1
4 4 Diamond Concerto 2.50 2.8 5-1
5 5 Mr. Chivas 5.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Buck Owens 5.00 1 2-1
7 7 Ferociously 2.50 1.4 3-1
4 4 K P Kwest 12.00 1.9 4-1
8 8 Tangledupingrey 15.00 2.7 5-1
5 5 Elevado 3.00 3.7 7-1
2 2 Too Much Info 15.00 3.8 7-1
3 3 Elector 4.00 5.1 10-1
1 1 Play Chicken 4.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Antibes 2.50 1 2-1
1 1 Bert’s Prospect 8.00 1.8 3-1
2 2 More Try 6.00 2.2 4-1
5 5 Maxville 6.00 2.4 4-1
6 6 Be Punctual 5.00 2.6 5-1
7 7 Dazzle the Command 4.00 3.7 7-1
3 3 Ghostly Act 3.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Princip 1.60 1 2-1
4 4 Duty First 2.50 2.8 5-1
6 6 Divine Rascal 12.00 3.4 6-1
3 3 Trusty Rusty 15.00 3.8 7-1
5 5 Tenth Street Don 6.00 5.4 10-1
1 1 Curly Esa 15.00 5.6 10-1
7 7 Sir Flatter 10.00 6.7 13-1
8 8 Soul of Midnight 4.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Book Smart 5.00 1 2-1
1 1 Gregorian Chant (GB) 5.00 1.2 2-1
10 10 Jetovator 6.00 2.9 6-1
4 4 Grazed 6.00 3 6-1
2 2 Doncic 4.00 3.5 7-1
5 5 Man O Rose 8.00 3.6 7-1
9 9 King Apollo 6.00 3.6 7-1
6 6 Devil Moon 8.00 3.9 7-1
3 3 Dr. Soulfire 12.00 5.8 11-1
7 7 Douseawhatisea 20.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Ghost of Midnight 1.40 1 2-1
2 2 Departure 2.50 1.6 3-1
7 7 Zimba Warrior 6.00 2.3 4-1
3 3 Mystic Flyer 5.00 2.4 4-1
5 5 Lambeau 15.00 3.3 6-1
6 6 Mongolian Gold 30.00 6.6 12-1
1 1 Direct Line 4.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 8 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
Barely Funtional 0 0-1
8 8 Barely Funtional 5.00 1 2-1
1 1 On the Whim 3.00 1.4 3-1
3 3 Druidic 20.00 1.5 3-1
6 6 Heat N Reheat 12.00 1.6 3-1
4 4 Mogollon Rim 6.00 2.7 5-1
11 11 Moogie Son 2.50 2.8 5-1
5 5 Dick Best 15.00 3.6 7-1
2 2 Hapi Hapi 15.00 4.4 8-1
7 7 Bravestone 50.00 4.8 9-1
10 10 Red Cross Knight 4.00 5.1 10-1
9 9 Erebus 50.00 7.4 14-1
12 12 Irish Heatwave 4.00 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.