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Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Friday, January 2, 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 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Miss Watermelon 1.20 1 2-1
5 5 Sounds Lucky 4.00 1.9 4-1
4 4 Wolf Hill 5.00 2.2 4-1
6 6 Banzai Betty 5.00 2.2 4-1
1 1 Getting Closer 6.00 2.5 5-1
7 7 Bank Shot 10.00 3.8 7-1
3 3 Soul Sister 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 East Boca Kibbutz 2.00 1 2-1
3 3 Molly Jensen 3.00 1.8 3-1
7 7 Tom’s Star 3.50 2.1 4-1
5 5 Going Great Guns 6.00 4 8-1
4 4 Celestial Skies 6.00 4 8-1
6 6 Dancing Thru Fire 10.00 7 13-1
1 1 Lucky Nea 10.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Tiger Fire 1.20 1 2-1
1 1 A Toast to Lanie 1.80 1.2 2-1
4 4 Headstrong Ways 4.00 1.7 3-1
7 7 Lena Lindgard 8.00 2.7 5-1
2 2 Walk’n the Beach 20.00 5.6 11-1
5 5 Reckless Optimism 20.00 5.6 11-1
8 8 Selsae 30.00 8 15-1
3 3 Mia Mac 30.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Infinitum 1.40 1 2-1
8 8 Otto’s Magic 3.00 1.5 3-1
9 9 Maury Wills 4.50 1.9 4-1
3 3 Big Bill 6.00 2.3 4-1
5 5 Omnificent 10.00 3.4 6-1
1 1 Vron by You 12.00 4 8-1
7 7 Strait Up Country 20.00 6.2 12-1
4 4 High King 30.00 9 17-1
6 6 Roxiiesbadboy 30.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Dirty Words 1.00 1 2-1
7 7 Bluegrass Go Go 4.00 1.7 3-1
4 4 Broadway Unions 5.00 2 4-1
8 8 Spiritist 6.00 2.2 4-1
5 5 Whats the Buzz 10.00 3.2 6-1
2 2 Cupid’s Crusader 12.00 3.7 7-1
3 3 Naval Harbor 20.00 5.6 11-1
6 6 Unbreakable Trust 30.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Comedy Town 2.50 1 2-1
9 9 Red Flag 3.00 1.2 2-1
1 1 Simple Song 4.50 1.6 3-1
5 5 See Through It 5.00 1.7 3-1
3 3 Hawker 6.00 2 4-1
6 6 Decapo 8.00 2.6 5-1
2 2 Style Cat 15.00 4.6 9-1
4 4 Whiskyginandbrandy 20.00 6.1 12-1
8 8 R Heisman 30.00 9 17-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Just a Kiss 3.00 1 2-1
8 8 Nothing Is Forever 4.00 1.4 3-1
6 6 Stop Digging 4.50 1.6 3-1
4 4 Quantum Innergy 4.50 1.6 3-1
7 7 Nanci Griffith 5.00 1.8 3-1
3 3 Miz Clubcali 6.00 2.2 4-1
1 1 Garden Party 8.00 3.1 6-1
5 5 California Rocks 20.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 One Happy Dude 4.00 1 2-1
8 8 Lanzador 4.50 1.2 2-1
13 13 Golden Chaser 5.00 1.5 3-1
7 7 Wasted Warrior 5.00 1.5 3-1
5 5 One Step Beyond 6.00 1.9 4-1
12 12 Kiki Ride 8.00 2.9 5-1
4 4 Gentleman Rancher 8.00 2.9 5-1
2 2 Matts Advisor 10.00 3.8 7-1
9 9 La Motta Avenue 12.00 4.7 9-1
1 1 Voucher 15.00 6.1 11-1
10 10 Jimmy Delivers 15.00 6.1 11-1
3 3 Jamal 20.00 8.4 16-1
11 11 Tascadero 30.00 13 25-1

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.

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