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
8 8 Baela 3.00 1 2-1
6 6 Miss Meagher (IRE) 4.00 1.7 3-1
2 2 O K Rose 4.50 2 4-1
3 3 Miyako 5.00 2.3 4-1
9 9 Starry Night 6.00 3 6-1
7 7 Dorie Miller 8.00 4.3 8-1
5 5 Crossanna 8.00 4.3 8-1
4 4 Giggle Giggle 15.00 9 17-1
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
2 2 Another Juanito 2.00 1 2-1
1 1 Trail Blaze 2.50 1.3 2-1
3 3 It’s Time 3.00 1.6 3-1
5 5 Original One 3.50 1.9 4-1
4 4 Cosmic Trail 10.00 6 11-1
6 6 Texas Wildcat 10.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Marla Hooch 2.50 1 2-1
6 6 Cash in Toknight 3.50 1.3 3-1
2 2 Vicky Lyn 4.50 1.7 3-1
8 8 Up for the Hunt 5.00 1.8 3-1
4 4 Risky Pleasure 6.00 2.2 4-1
9 9 Famous Forza 12.00 4.1 8-1
1 1 Run On Om 15.00 5.1 10-1
3 3 Lil Tessa 15.00 5.1 10-1
7 7 Can You Dream 20.00 6.7 13-1
10 10 Tina’s Princess 30.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Handsome Ticket 1.20 1 2-1
7 7 No More Ding Dongs 1.60 1.1 2-1
6 6 White Mountain 4.00 1.6 3-1
4 4 Drum Bunny 12.00 3.3 6-1
1 1 Mischief Moments 15.00 3.9 7-1
2 2 Do It for Dave 20.00 4.9 9-1
3 3 Fincairn 30.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Stars Hollow 2.50 1 2-1
9 9 Balaza 3.50 1.4 3-1
8 8 Maggles McGee 5.00 1.9 4-1
1 1 Training Good 5.00 1.9 4-1
2 2 Danzing Daisy 6.00 2.3 4-1
4 4 Long Range Pursuit 15.00 5.6 10-1
11 11 Alix 15.00 5.6 10-1
10 10 Starship Pacific 20.00 7.4 14-1
3 3 Jackpot Clover 20.00 7.4 14-1
5 5 Go Prancealot 30.00 11 21-1
7 7 Atina Liz 30.00 11 21-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Ryan’s Girl 2.00 1 2-1
1 1 Big Celebration 2.50 1.2 2-1
2 2 Rousing Jewel 3.50 1.6 3-1
7 7 Unbridled Scholar 6.00 2.6 5-1
4 4 Misty Dancer 10.00 4.1 8-1
3 3 Princess Daddy 12.00 4.9 9-1
8 8 Violet Storm 15.00 6.1 11-1
5 5 Chokechery Shari 20.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Gratefully 1.50 1 2-1
3 3 Marian Cross (GB) 4.00 1.7 3-1
8 8 Bit’s Tiger Magic 4.50 1.8 3-1
5 5 Tahini 5.00 2 4-1
6 6 Imaboutago (IRE) 8.00 2.8 5-1
9 9 Young Love 12.00 4 7-1
2 2 Donttellourwives 20.00 6.2 12-1
7 7 Hoshiana (FR) 20.00 6.2 12-1
1 1 Fast Giselle 30.00 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
4 4 Empress of Grace 3.50 1.3 2-1
5 5 She’s Splendid 4.50 1.6 3-1
1 1 A Rousing Babe 6.00 2 4-1
2 2 Outrageous 6.00 2 4-1
8 8 Elegant Sway 8.00 2.6 5-1
9 9 Rose of Jericho 8.00 2.6 5-1
7 7 Rythem Girl 20.00 6.1 12-1
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
11 11 Grazed 4.00 2 4-1
9 9 Jaguar Jon 4.50 2.2 4-1
14 14 Bro Bro 4.50 2.2 4-1
4 4 Check’s On the Way 6.00 2.9 6-1
10 10 Special Club 8.00 3.9 7-1
13 13 Dinos Dixie 15.00 7.1 13-1
6 6 One Smokin Dude 15.00 7.1 13-1
12 12 Galland de Besos 20.00 9.4 18-1
1 1 Gold Council 20.00 9.4 18-1
5 5 Cody Boy 20.00 9.4 18-1
7 7 Clever Clover 20.00 9.4 18-1
8 8 Chick’s Dig It 30.00 14 26-1
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.