Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Friday, January 17, 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
Prime and Ready 0 0-1
6 6 Prime and Ready 1.80 1 2-1
3 3 Aggro 15.00 3.6 7-1
7 7 Ready to Dare 4.50 4 8-1
1 1 Rice Paddy 3.50 4.5 8-1
4 4 Beauty Jenny 20.00 4.8 9-1
5 5 Gemadini 12.00 5.4 10-1
2 2 Molly Jensen 2.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Your Royal Flyness 4.50 1 2-1
3 3 Bet the Chalk 1.40 1.2 2-1
1 1 In Without Knockin 2.00 2.2 4-1
5 5 Mineral Rights 3.00 2.8 5-1
4 4 Miss Peru 10.00 5 9-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Code Duello 3.50 1 2-1
1 1 Clampett 3.00 2.5 5-1
3 3 Cowboy Mike 1.20 2.9 6-1
4 4 Saqeel 2.50 3.1 6-1
5 5 My Man Bags 20.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Sharp Ride 3.50 1 2-1
3 3 Cheeky Gal 2.50 1.9 4-1
5 5 Stellar Cap 3.00 2.4 5-1
4 4 Solid Tune 15.00 3.6 7-1
1 1 Isabel Ludlow 4.00 4.1 8-1
2 2 Sapadilla 12.00 5.1 10-1
7 7 Beau Soleil 4.50 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Anitanewmercedes 4.50 1 2-1
5 5 Aurelian Man 3.50 3 6-1
6 6 Thirty Four Coupe 2.00 3.2 6-1
3 3 So I’m Told 12.00 3.6 7-1
7 7 Bee Catcher 4.00 4.1 8-1
4 4 Supernal 8.00 4.4 8-1
2 2 Trusty Rusty 6.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Tiger Queen 10.00 1 2-1
7 7 Attracted 1.80 1.2 2-1
4 4 A Real Jewel 8.00 1.6 3-1
3 3 Five O Cocktail 8.00 2.7 5-1
8 8 Blue Wildcat 12.00 2.7 5-1
6 6 Happy 6.00 4.2 8-1
1 1 Rousing Jewel 5.00 SCRATCH
5 5 Victoria’s Charge 3.50 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Stop Digging 1.60 1 2-1
3 3 Smiling Lady 3.00 1.8 3-1
4 4 Nothing Is Forever 4.00 4.6 9-1
7 7 Love Our Family 6.00 4.8 9-1
1 1 Dendera 15.00 4.9 9-1
6 6 Nanci Griffith 4.50 5.7 11-1
5 5 Girlcanthelpit 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
Kid Azteca 0 0-1
2 2 Player B 1.80 1 2-1
5 5 Kid Azteca 1.40 1.1 2-1
8 8 Andy Can U Hear Me 8.00 2.9 5-1
1 1 Uncle John 6.00 2.9 5-1
3 3 Mischievous Paddy 15.00 3.6 7-1
7 7 Man Child 15.00 3.7 7-1
4 4 Rhythem On Stage 20.00 4.2 8-1
6 6 Paulliac (IRE) 12.00 SCRATCH
9 9 Neon Lights (IRE) 12.00 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.