Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Friday, September 26, 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
6 6 Reno 1.40 1 2-1
1 1 Decapo 1.50 1 2-1
4 4 Mescalero 4.00 1.7 3-1
3 3 Kiddo Light 8.00 2.8 5-1
2 2 Joe’s Candy 10.00 3.3 6-1
5 5 Flaubert 20.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Step It Out (IRE) 2.00 1 2-1
2 2 Exington 2.50 1.4 3-1
4 4 Lady Rider 4.00 2.7 5-1
1 1 Perfect Life 4.50 3.1 6-1
3 3 Saint Mihiel 5.00 3.5 7-1
5 5 Girlcanthelpit 8.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Umbralle 1.60 1 2-1
1 1 Surfin’ U. S. A. 3.50 1.5 3-1
5 5 Ramayana 4.50 1.7 3-1
7 7 Kizazi 4.50 1.7 3-1
8 8 Essential Lady 5.00 1.8 3-1
2 2 Darlin’ Duchess 20.00 5.5 10-1
6 6 Cosmo Friday 20.00 5.5 10-1
4 4 Atina Liz 30.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Kitten in Charge 2.00 1 2-1
6 6 Seager Man 3.00 1.3 3-1
4 4 Whats the Buzz 3.50 1.5 3-1
7 7 Spiritist 4.00 1.7 3-1
1 1 Robarando 5.00 2 4-1
3 3 Excessive Thievery 20.00 7 13-1
2 2 Uplift 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Double Bay (IRE) 2.00 1 2-1
7 7 Justivar 2.50 1.1 2-1
1 1 Church Lady (IRE) 3.50 1.3 2-1
4 4 Without a Pout (IRE) 4.50 1.5 3-1
5 5 Eastwick 12.00 3.1 6-1
3 3 Silver Flirt 30.00 7 13-1
2 2 Musical Song 30.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
9 9 Godavri 1.80 1 2-1
3 3 Fly At Knight 2.00 1.1 2-1
8 8 Big A’s Little One 5.00 1.9 4-1
7 7 Newport Dreamz 10.00 3.3 6-1
4 4 Jennys Wine Girl 12.00 3.9 7-1
1 1 West Fresno 12.00 3.9 7-1
2 2 Dramaticattraction 15.00 4.7 9-1
6 6 Dixie’s Delight 15.00 4.7 9-1
5 5 Turkey Bird 30.00 9 17-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 98 Quick Omen 0.00 1 2-1
9 8 Lady Gregory 1.50 1.7 3-1
7 6 Willow Cove 3.50 2.6 5-1
10 9 Brookys Gal 5.00 3.3 6-1
4 4 Magical Miss 5.00 3.3 6-1
6 5 Freya 6.00 3.7 7-1
8 7 Press Your Luck 8.00 4.6 9-1
3 3 Rizzleberry Rose 12.00 6.4 12-1
2 2 Blue Wildcat 15.00 7.8 15-1
1 1 Amanda Rose 20.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Mystic Flyer 2.00 1 2-1
8 8 Saqeel 2.50 1.3 2-1
2 2 Austonian 3.50 1.8 3-1
4 4 Upstart Yankee 8.00 4.2 8-1
7 7 Big Spin 10.00 5.3 10-1
1 1 Come Out Fighting 12.00 6.4 12-1
6 6 Majestic Palisades 12.00 6.4 12-1
5 5 Sunset Storm 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Rehearsal (IRE) 1.50 1 2-1
1 1 Thea 3.50 2 4-1
7 7 Infinity Dream 4.50 2.6 5-1
5 5 Strawberry Tizzy 8.00 4.4 8-1
4 4 Wildfire Princess 8.00 4.4 8-1
3 3 Gladly 10.00 5.4 10-1
6 6 Caitlin Fever 12.00 6.4 12-1
8 8 Nakota (IRE) 15.00 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.