Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Friday, April 18, 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
4 4 Ghost Coast 1.50 1 2-1
3 3 Let Seamus Go 5.00 1.2 2-1
5 5 Supreme Coast 4.50 3.3 6-1
6 6 Travail 8.00 4.1 8-1
7 7 Rowan August 2.00 4.5 9-1
1 1 Sir Nano 30.00 5.4 10-1
2 2 Betterbelucky 20.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Cyprus Moon 1.60 1 2-1
3 3 Eltonsingsanother 2.00 1.5 3-1
4 4 Mayacama 3.00 3.4 6-1
5 5 Matina 10.00 3.7 7-1
1 1 Chasing Kat 15.00 5.3 10-1
6 6 Blue Fashion 6.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Madeira Wine 15.00 1 2-1
2 2 Big Mama Sue 1.40 2.2 4-1
1 1 Highlands 6.00 2.2 4-1
3 3 Tiergarten 5.00 2.9 5-1
4 4 Zeyaraat 12.00 3.6 7-1
7 7 Valkyrian (IRE) 8.00 3.8 7-1
5 5 Myfavoritedaughter 2.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Distant Fleet 15.00 1 2-1
2 2 Heber 20.00 1.6 3-1
1 1 Toughness 1.00 4.3 8-1
7 7 Infamous Angel 12.00 6 11-1
4 4 Winds of Freedom 2.50 6.3 12-1
6 6 General Jackson 10.00 6.5 12-1
5 5 Panuco 4.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Cayucos 5.00 1 2-1
8 8 Nell’s Legacy 8.00 1.4 3-1
4 4 Miso Phansy 3.00 2.2 4-1
3 3 Lava Lucy 2.00 2.6 5-1
7 7 Chilly Philly 20.00 4 8-1
5 5 Press Your Luck 20.00 5.7 11-1
9 9 Heras Hope 12.00 5.7 11-1
2 2 Musical Number 5.00 SCRATCH
1 1 Petite Treat 6.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Seismic Beauty 1.20 1 2-1
3 3 Quick Brown Fox 3.00 1.7 3-1
1 1 Jubilant Joanie 2.50 1.7 3-1
2 2 Epione 6.00 2.6 5-1
5 5 Shared Future 8.00 5 9-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Pushiness 1.50 1 2-1
1 1 Tahini 15.00 2.9 6-1
5 5 Granny Budgie (GB) 8.00 3.6 7-1
6 6 Royal Charter (GB) 5.00 3.6 7-1
8 8 Ma Rae’s Girl 6.00 4.3 8-1
7 7 Vitalera (CHI) 20.00 4.6 9-1
3 3 Visually 8.00 4.7 9-1
2 2 Kissed by Fire 3.50 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Crown Magic 4.50 1 2-1
4 4 Mother’s Prayer 8.00 2.3 4-1
6 6 Druidic 5.00 2.4 4-1
9 9 J. B. Books 20.00 2.8 5-1
1 1 Kingmeister 6.00 3.3 6-1
10 10 Upstart Yankee 20.00 3.4 6-1
5 5 Aurelian Man 10.00 3.9 7-1
7 7 Zimba Warrior 3.00 4.8 9-1
3 3 Nauvoo 10.00 6.5 12-1
8 8 Fly the Sky 6.00 7.4 14-1
11 11 Atomic Drop 2.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Irish Element 20.00 1 2-1
1 1 Lord Dunmore 3.00 1.2 2-1
2 2 Flyover 2.50 1.6 3-1
3 3 Incredible Moves 8.00 2.3 4-1
7 7 Oakley’s Smile 3.50 3.1 6-1
5 5 Last Call Paul 4.50 3.3 6-1
9 9 Curlin Command 2.00 5.6 11-1
4 4 High King 6.00 7.9 15-1
11 11 Roxiiesbadboy 20.00 SCRATCH
10 10 Bonneville Jim 2.50 SCRATCH
8 8 Warren’s Hot Rod 20.00 SCRATCH
12 12 Big Notion 10.00 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.