Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Thursday, January 1, 2026

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 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Dorie Miller 8.00 1 2-1
8 8 Baela 3.00 2 4-1
5 5 Crossanna 8.00 2.7 5-1
6 6 Miss Meagher (IRE) 4.00 2.9 6-1
2 2 O K Rose 4.50 3.4 6-1
3 3 Miyako 5.00 4.2 8-1
9 9 Starry Night 6.00 5.8 11-1
4 4 Giggle Giggle 15.00 6.1 12-1
1 1 Needlepoint (IRE) 15.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Trail Blaze 2.50 1 2-1
2 2 Another Juanito 2.00 2.2 4-1
6 6 Texas Wildcat 10.00 3.6 7-1
5 5 Original One 3.50 4.5 8-1
4 4 Cosmic Trail 10.00 5.6 11-1
3 3 It’s Time 3.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
10 10 Tina’s Princess 30.00 1 2-1
8 8 Up for the Hunt 5.00 3.4 6-1
6 6 Cash in Toknight 3.50 3.7 7-1
3 3 Lil Tessa 15.00 5.4 10-1
7 7 Can You Dream 20.00 5.5 10-1
4 4 Risky Pleasure 6.00 5.9 11-1
2 2 Vicky Lyn 4.50 6.9 13-1
5 5 Marla Hooch 2.50 7.1 13-1
1 1 Run On Om 15.00 9.2 17-1
9 9 Famous Forza 12.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 White Mountain 4.00 1 2-1
5 5 Handsome Ticket 1.20 1.3 2-1
7 7 No More Ding Dongs 1.60 4.6 9-1
4 4 Drum Bunny 12.00 6.2 12-1
3 3 Fincairn 30.00 6.2 12-1
1 1 Mischief Moments 15.00 6.7 13-1
2 2 Do It for Dave 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Danzing Daisy 6.00 1 2-1
1 1 Training Good 5.00 1.5 3-1
9 9 Balaza 3.50 5.1 10-1
5 5 Go Prancealot 30.00 6.1 12-1
11 11 Alix 15.00 6.7 13-1
7 7 Atina Liz 30.00 7.6 14-1
6 6 Stars Hollow 2.50 8.9 17-1
3 3 Jackpot Clover 20.00 9 17-1
10 10 Starship Pacific 20.00 9.3 18-1
4 4 Long Range Pursuit 15.00 10.4 20-1
8 8 Maggles McGee 5.00 11 21-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Rousing Jewel 3.50 1 2-1
1 1 Big Celebration 2.50 1.7 3-1
7 7 Unbridled Scholar 6.00 2.7 5-1
6 6 Ryan’s Girl 2.00 3.2 6-1
5 5 Chokechery Shari 20.00 4.4 8-1
3 3 Princess Daddy 12.00 4.6 9-1
4 4 Misty Dancer 10.00 6 11-1
8 8 Violet Storm 15.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Bit’s Tiger Magic 4.50 1 2-1
4 4 Gratefully 1.50 2 4-1
6 6 Imaboutago (IRE) 8.00 3.1 6-1
2 2 Donttellourwives 20.00 5.1 10-1
3 3 Marian Cross (GB) 4.00 5.2 10-1
7 7 Hoshiana (FR) 20.00 5.8 11-1
1 1 Fast Giselle 30.00 7.5 14-1
9 9 Young Love 12.00 7.9 15-1
5 5 Tahini 5.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Dial a Friend 2.50 1 2-1
1 1 A Rousing Babe 6.00 2.6 5-1
5 5 She’s Splendid 4.50 4.2 8-1
2 2 Outrageous 6.00 4.4 8-1
9 9 Rose of Jericho 8.00 4.6 9-1
4 4 Empress of Grace 3.50 4.7 9-1
8 8 Elegant Sway 8.00 5.2 10-1
7 7 Rythem Girl 20.00 7.9 15-1
6 6 Dress Rehearsal 30.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Jetovator 1.80 1 2-1
4 4 Check’s On the Way 6.00 2.6 5-1
11 11 Grazed 4.00 2.8 5-1
10 10 Special Club 8.00 3 6-1
8 8 Chick’s Dig It 30.00 3.4 6-1
12 12 Galland de Besos 20.00 4.1 8-1
6 6 One Smokin Dude 15.00 4.3 8-1
9 9 Jaguar Jon 4.50 4.9 9-1
7 7 Clever Clover 20.00 5.8 11-1
13 13 Dinos Dixie 15.00 6.5 12-1
1 1 Gold Council 20.00 7 13-1
14 14 Bro Bro 4.50 7.4 14-1
5 5 Cody Boy 20.00 10.5 20-1
3 3 Three Georges 30.00 14 26-1

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.