Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Friday, January 3, 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 Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Toppers At Seaside 4.00 1 2-1
5 5 Chasin a Dollar 6.00 4.2 8-1
6 6 Run Abboudy Run 12.00 5 9-1
9 9 Empire Warrior 3.50 5.1 10-1
7 7 Canyahearmeknockin 5.00 5.2 10-1
3 3 Exalted Ruler 8.00 7.6 14-1
1 1 Kersting Court 20.00 8 15-1
4 4 Gran Senor Del Oro 15.00 8.2 15-1
2 2 Cultural 3.00 9 17-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Lolo Le Plume 4.00 1 2-1
1 1 Just as Fancy 1.60 1.1 2-1
2 2 Giggle Giggle 8.00 1.5 3-1
3 3 Marula 1.80 4.4 8-1
4 4 Madame Secretary 3.50 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
Coconut Girl 0 0-1
3 3 Thirst for Passion 2.00 1 2-1
6 6 Practical Dazzle 2.50 1 2-1
4 4 Danzingwith Maxine 4.00 1.3 2-1
7 7 Have Patience 8.00 5.3 10-1
2 2 Pondicherry 3.00 6.6 12-1
1 1 Coconut Girl 30.00 6.9 13-1
5 5 Coiffeur 15.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Starter Optional Claiming) – Starter Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Horse Doctor 3.50 1 2-1
5 5 Man Overboard 8.00 2.6 5-1
10 10 Imperial Hornet 4.50 2.7 5-1
7 7 Halo Rando 3.00 3.6 7-1
2 2 Warrens World 5.00 4.5 8-1
4 4 It Aint Over 12.00 5.4 10-1
9 9 Duplication 20.00 7.2 14-1
3 3 Cowboy Kisses 10.00 SCRATCH
8 8 Playing Hardball 20.00 SCRATCH
6 6 Bertacchi 12.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Nell’s Legacy 1.60 1 2-1
8 8 Going Deep 6.00 3 6-1
7 7 Cioppina Pasadina 30.00 3.8 7-1
3 3 Petite Treat 5.00 4 7-1
6 6 Heras Hope 2.00 4.3 8-1
4 4 We the Free 15.00 4.8 9-1
5 5 Thirsty Mama 8.00 5.5 10-1
2 2 Press Your Luck 20.00 5.9 11-1
9 9 Broadway Venus 10.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Tesoro 2.50 1 2-1
1 1 Nolde 3.50 1.8 3-1
11 11 Mother’s Prayer 8.00 2.1 4-1
8 8 Rich Gold 8.00 2.5 5-1
6 6 Brother o’ Brien 5.00 2.6 5-1
2 2 Happy Does 10.00 3.7 7-1
7 7 Its Thievery 12.00 4.9 9-1
4 4 Big Flame 8.00 5.5 10-1
10 10 Kobe W 12.00 5.6 11-1
9 9 Mount Pelliar 20.00 8.3 16-1
5 5 Upstart Yankee 10.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Naida 12.00 1 2-1
8 8 Miz Clubcali 2.50 1.9 4-1
7 7 Lady Monclaire 3.00 2.3 4-1
1 1 Sassy Prancelot 3.50 2.3 4-1
3 3 Draw Me 20.00 4.4 8-1
5 5 Shezmisbehaving 4.00 4.6 9-1
4 4 Proof of Jazz 20.00 4.7 9-1
6 6 Ashleys Sandcastle 8.00 4.7 9-1
9 9 Glacier Rim 30.00 6.4 12-1
10 10 Ultimate Hy 6.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Slider 3.50 1 2-1
7 7 Roll On Big Joe 2.00 1.5 3-1
4 4 For All Mankind 4.50 2.2 4-1
5 5 Positivity 6.00 3.3 6-1
2 2 Agency 4.00 3.4 7-1
3 3 Mission Beach 12.00 5.9 11-1
1 1 Moose Mitchell 8.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 9 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Max n’ Lou 3.50 1 2-1
8 8 Hephepcutdownnets 6.00 3.7 7-1
5 5 Mutt Dillin 5.00 4.3 8-1
3 3 Unrivaled Hero 8.00 5.1 10-1
2 2 Burning Rubber 4.50 5.9 11-1
4 4 Earned Not Given 3.00 7 13-1
7 7 Lookin for Curly 10.00 7.1 13-1
9 9 Missile Cruiser 15.00 7.7 15-1
6 6 Last Vintage 20.00 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.