Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Friday, May 9, 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
3 3 Outworker 1.60 1 2-1
2 2 Gray Thunder 4.50 2.8 5-1
6 6 Santa Barbarian 10.00 3.5 7-1
4 4 Maxville 12.00 3.9 7-1
7 7 Non Domicile 5.00 4.9 9-1
1 1 High King 12.00 5 9-1
5 5 Going Nowhere 2.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Auditory 1.40 1 2-1
2 2 Lucky Sermon 5.00 3.2 6-1
5 5 Crypto Crush 2.00 4.3 8-1
3 3 Misty Dancer 6.00 4.9 9-1
6 6 Blue Breeze 8.00 5.3 10-1
1 1 In Without Knockin 10.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Dealers Special 1.60 1 2-1
4 4 Rastaman Vibe 3.00 1.2 2-1
2 2 Promissio 5.00 3.9 7-1
5 5 Mr. Disrespectful 2.50 4.4 8-1
1 1 Sketchy 4.50 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 James J. Braddock 3.50 1 2-1
4 4 Charley Pride 1.40 1.2 2-1
5 5 Riding By 3.00 1.9 4-1
7 7 He’squite Mischief 10.00 4.4 8-1
6 6 Highland Echo 30.00 4.4 8-1
2 2 Naval Harbor 8.00 4.5 8-1
1 1 Oscar Production 6.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Lamporghini 3.50 1 2-1
2 2 Danzingwith Maxine 3.00 2.6 5-1
1 1 Berry Valley 10.00 3.5 7-1
3 3 Ultimate Hy 2.00 3.8 7-1
7 7 Baby Kristen 15.00 4.5 9-1
4 4 Vronsky Feint 5.00 4.9 9-1
5 5 Song of Shadows 6.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 6 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Jennys Tiz 4.50 1 2-1
2 2 Last Call Paul 2.50 2.8 5-1
4 4 Willisau 5.00 3.6 7-1
1 1 Keithing Thunder 4.00 3.9 7-1
7 7 Magaton Man 12.00 4.7 9-1
6 6 Pio Nono 3.00 4.8 9-1
5 5 Salsa On the Beach 10.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Omnipontet (BRZ) 12.00 1 2-1
2 2 Sareeha (IRE) 4.00 3.6 7-1
4 4 Royal Charter (GB) 10.00 4.3 8-1
5 5 Runamileinmyshoes 1.80 4.6 9-1
7 7 Khinjani (GB) 3.00 5 9-1
1 1 Baltic Fire 8.00 5.5 10-1
3 3 Vibez 5.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Tessa (GB) 3.50 1 2-1
1 1 I’m a Risque Girl 5.00 1.6 3-1
7 7 Icy Mischief 4.00 4.6 9-1
5 5 Woodbine Way 3.00 5.7 11-1
8 8 Rose of Jericho 8.00 5.9 11-1
3 3 Roses R Blue 5.00 6.5 12-1
4 4 Roman Empress 15.00 7.5 14-1
2 2 Pondergating 12.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 One of These Days (IRE) 1.50 1 2-1
8 8 Naismith 4.00 2.8 5-1
7 7 Smooth Salute 10.00 4.8 9-1
5 5 Gentlemen’s Club 2.50 4.8 9-1
3 3 Big Juanito 6.00 5 10-1
4 4 Acero 10.00 6.4 12-1
6 6 Dancing Porky 30.00 7.4 14-1
2 2 Bid On the Prize 30.00 8 15-1

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.