Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Sunday, February 18, 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 Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Auratium 2.50 1 2-1
5 5 Nakota (IRE) 4.00 3 6-1
4 4 Ellie Moore (IRE) 1.80 3 6-1
2 2 English Danger 2.50 3.7 7-1
6 6 Lanesra 8.00 3.7 7-1
1 1 Amelia Bleu 15.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Bonaqua 1.80 1 2-1
6 6 Show Card 1.60 2.4 4-1
3 3 Vegas Condo 6.00 3.5 7-1
1 1 Sweet Gem 12.00 4.8 9-1
2 2 Corposo 6.00 5.9 11-1
5 5 Nay V Belle 4.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Control Function 2.50 1 2-1
3 3 She’s a Joker 4.00 2.1 4-1
5 5 Katerini 4.00 2.4 4-1
4 4 In Your Face 5.00 3 6-1
1 1 Vincero Grande 8.00 4.2 8-1
7 7 Firsttimeinforever 3.00 5.7 11-1
6 6 Spring Magic 12.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Unkept Secret 2.50 1 2-1
7 7 Classy 3.00 3.5 7-1
6 6 Love My Candy 4.00 4.4 8-1
5 5 Warren’s Showgirl 4.00 5.3 10-1
1 1 Storming Gray 4.50 5.6 11-1
2 2 Lucky Vegas 8.00 6.8 13-1
4 4 Plum Creek 15.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Good Juju 4.00 1 2-1
8 7 Nauvoo 2.00 1 2-1
5 5 Zimba Warrior 8.00 1.7 3-1
2 2 Granada Flavor 10.00 2.7 5-1
6 6 Brazenly 12.00 2.7 5-1
1 1 Sol Del Sur 2.50 3 6-1
3 3 Big Buzz 4.00 SCRATCH
7 98 Direct Line 0.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Sir Atticus 1.80 1 2-1
4 4 Elwood Blues 2.50 3 6-1
5 5 Principe Carlo 5.00 4.1 8-1
3 3 Kingdom Heart 6.00 4.5 8-1
1 1 Escape Route 6.00 4.7 9-1
2 2 Moose Mitchell 4.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 7 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Princess Midnight 3.50 1 2-1
6 6 Strikingly 3.00 2.8 5-1
1 1 Apple Fest 4.00 3.1 6-1
8 8 Jennifer’s d’Light 4.00 3.5 7-1
4 4 Collectively 10.00 5 10-1
5 5 Hot Lava Cake 4.00 5.2 10-1
7 7 Sparrow 15.00 SCRATCH
3 3 Orderly Transition (GB) 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Spring Fever S.) – Spring Fever S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Big Pond 2.50 1 2-1
3 3 Daddysruby 2.00 1 2-1
5 5 Rose Maddox 2.50 2.8 5-1
4 4 Rose Dawson 3.50 4.2 8-1
1 1 Scary Fast Ride 8.00 4.8 9-1
6 6 All Dialed In 15.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Nitti (IRE) 5.00 1 2-1
7 7 El Rey Rey 5.00 1.4 3-1
8 8 American Glory (GB) 8.00 2 4-1
5 5 Message of Hope (IRE) 3.50 2.2 4-1
6 6 Let Seamus Go 6.00 2.3 4-1
12 12 Fast Chaz 4.00 2.6 5-1
9 9 Uncharted 12.00 3.3 6-1
3 3 British Isles 4.00 5.1 10-1
4 4 Chasing Rain 15.00 6.9 13-1
10 10 Sketchy 15.00 7.7 14-1
11 11 Bound to Succeed 15.00 9 17-1
1 1 Citadino 20.00 SCRATCH
13 13 Bartholdy 5.00 SCRATCH
14 14 Gazon (GB) 15.00 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.