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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
3 3 Soul Sister 20.00 1 2-1
4 4 Wolf Hill 5.00 4 8-1
7 7 Bank Shot 10.00 5.7 11-1
2 2 Miss Watermelon 1.20 5.9 11-1
6 6 Banzai Betty 5.00 6.2 12-1
1 1 Getting Closer 6.00 7 13-1
5 5 Sounds Lucky 4.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Celestial Skies 6.00 1 2-1
3 3 Molly Jensen 3.00 3.8 7-1
2 2 East Boca Kibbutz 2.00 4.2 8-1
7 7 Tom’s Star 3.50 4.4 8-1
1 1 Lucky Nea 10.00 5.9 11-1
5 5 Going Great Guns 6.00 6.7 13-1
6 6 Dancing Thru Fire 10.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 A Toast to Lanie 1.80 1 2-1
4 4 Headstrong Ways 4.00 1.3 2-1
6 6 Tiger Fire 1.20 2.2 4-1
2 2 Walk’n the Beach 20.00 2.8 5-1
3 3 Mia Mac 30.00 5.4 10-1
8 8 Selsae 30.00 6.4 12-1
5 5 Reckless Optimism 20.00 7 13-1
7 7 Lena Lindgard 8.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Otto’s Magic 3.00 1 2-1
4 4 High King 30.00 4 8-1
9 9 Maury Wills 4.50 4.4 8-1
2 2 Infinitum 1.40 4.5 9-1
5 5 Omnificent 10.00 6.6 12-1
6 6 Roxiiesbadboy 30.00 SCRATCH
1 1 Vron by You 12.00 SCRATCH
3 3 Big Bill 6.00 SCRATCH
7 7 Strait Up Country 20.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Broadway Unions 5.00 1 2-1
1 1 Dirty Words 1.00 2.6 5-1
2 2 Cupid’s Crusader 12.00 3.1 6-1
8 8 Spiritist 6.00 3.7 7-1
6 6 Unbreakable Trust 30.00 5.4 10-1
5 5 Whats the Buzz 10.00 6.4 12-1
7 7 Bluegrass Go Go 4.00 6.7 13-1
3 3 Naval Harbor 20.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Simple Song 4.50 1 2-1
5 5 See Through It 5.00 3.7 7-1
2 2 Style Cat 15.00 3.8 7-1
7 7 Comedy Town 2.50 5.1 10-1
6 6 Decapo 8.00 5.2 10-1
9 9 Red Flag 3.00 5.3 10-1
3 3 Hawker 6.00 6.3 12-1
4 4 Whiskyginandbrandy 20.00 6.4 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
4 4 Quantum Innergy 4.50 1 2-1
6 6 Stop Digging 4.50 2.6 5-1
7 7 Nanci Griffith 5.00 3 6-1
8 8 Nothing Is Forever 4.00 3.1 6-1
3 3 Miz Clubcali 6.00 3.3 6-1
5 5 California Rocks 20.00 5.8 11-1
1 1 Garden Party 8.00 SCRATCH
2 2 Just a Kiss 3.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 One Step Beyond 6.00 1 2-1
6 6 One Happy Dude 4.00 1 2-1
2 2 Matts Advisor 10.00 1.9 4-1
4 4 Gentleman Rancher 8.00 2.8 5-1
7 7 Wasted Warrior 5.00 3 6-1
10 10 Jimmy Delivers 15.00 3 6-1
9 9 La Motta Avenue 12.00 3.5 7-1
12 12 Kiki Ride 8.00 3.8 7-1
8 8 Lanzador 4.50 4.2 8-1
1 1 Voucher 15.00 5.5 10-1
3 3 Jamal 20.00 5.8 11-1
11 11 Tascadero 30.00 7.2 14-1
13 13 Golden Chaser 5.00 SCRATCH

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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