Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Wednesday, January 1, 2025

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
1 1 G’oro 4.50 1 2-1
5 5 Benster 2.00 1.2 2-1
2 2 Lita Way 1.80 1.5 3-1
3 3 Danzig Til Dawn 8.00 4.8 9-1
7 7 Winter Snow 6.00 5.2 10-1
6 6 Cheering for Layla 15.00 6.7 13-1
4 4 Copperhead Fever 12.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
Nostri Vires 0 0-1
4 4 Oveta’s Hobby 0.60 1 2-1
3 3 Iconic Memory 4.50 1.3 2-1
6 6 Nala 15.00 1.3 2-1
1 1 Gracie’s Big Day 5.00 4.1 8-1
7 7 My Kathryn Rose 10.00 4.8 9-1
2 2 Princess Daddy 10.00 5.5 10-1
5 5 Nostri Vires 15.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Ms Brightside (IRE) 2.00 1 2-1
6 6 Step It Out (IRE) 15.00 1.3 2-1
5 5 Nanci Griffith 6.00 1.9 4-1
7 7 Bottle Rocket (FR) 2.50 2.4 5-1
2 2 Blue Oasis 5.00 3.3 6-1
3 3 She’s Splendid 3.50 4.5 9-1
1 1 Girlcanthelpit 15.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Love Our Family 1.60 1 2-1
7 7 Smile Baby Smile 2.50 1.3 2-1
1 1 Ready to Gig 8.00 3.1 6-1
4 4 Super Ellie 10.00 3.3 6-1
6 6 Dorine’s Wild Cat 5.00 5.3 10-1
2 2 Gila 4.50 5.6 11-1
5 5 Run for My Honey 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Jeweled Shillelagh 2.50 1 2-1
2 2 Promissio 6.00 2 4-1
6 6 Kid Azteca 6.00 3.3 6-1
1 1 Paulliac (IRE) 12.00 3.8 7-1
8 8 Rastaman Vibe 4.00 5.1 10-1
5 5 For A Laugh (IRE) 10.00 6.3 12-1
9 9 Neon Lights (IRE) 20.00 6.8 13-1
7 7 Zalamo (FR) 3.50 8.4 16-1
3 3 Fireman Dan 15.00 9 17-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Jubilant Joanie 0.60 1 2-1
5 5 Discrepancy 6.00 3.1 6-1
6 6 Morning Addiction 4.50 3.2 6-1
7 7 Chollima 10.00 4.2 8-1
4 4 Roman Empress 20.00 4.8 9-1
8 8 Respect the Crown 10.00 5.1 10-1
1 1 Solid Tune 20.00 5.4 10-1
3 3 Talent for Gold 20.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Lady Gregory 3.00 1 2-1
9 9 Proof She Zips 2.50 2 4-1
8 8 Quick Kate 4.50 3.6 7-1
4 4 Quick Omen 12.00 5 9-1
2 2 Mirinda 3.50 5 9-1
1 1 Bessie Coleman 12.00 5.1 10-1
6 6 Lamporghini 8.00 5.2 10-1
5 5 Someone Like You 30.00 5.4 10-1
3 3 Jersey Sunset 30.00 9 17-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Letmein 2.50 1 2-1
5 5 Mr. Machupicchu 3.00 1.9 4-1
7 7 Hornsby 10.00 4.2 8-1
8 8 Grey Area 8.00 4.4 8-1
4 4 He’s a Gangster 6.00 5.2 10-1
1 1 Berlin Wall 10.00 6.5 12-1
3 3 Smoothwhskygoindwn 12.00 7.5 14-1
2 2 Chasing Ryter 3.50 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Cane Creek Road 3.00 1 2-1
4 4 My Summer Dream 3.50 1.5 3-1
2 2 Hacking It Up 8.00 2.1 4-1
9 9 Whatmakessammyrun 4.50 2.4 5-1
6 6 Inch 5.00 3.6 7-1
10 10 Player B 10.00 4 7-1
8 8 So I’m Told 20.00 4.3 8-1
3 3 Coulthard (IRE) 20.00 6.8 13-1
1 1 Evening Sun (GB) 10.00 8.4 16-1
7 7 Des Doigts 15.00 10 19-1

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.