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Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Sunday, January 4, 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 Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Singlemore 1.20 1 2-1
6 6 P Town Prancer 2.50 1.7 3-1
5 5 Charmz Away 6.00 2.2 4-1
2 2 Sunk Cost Fallacy 12.00 3.2 6-1
4 4 Guaguarero 4.00 4.8 9-1
3 3 Brahms Mendelssohn 15.00 5.7 11-1
7 7 Love Da Gig 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Starter Optional Claiming) – Starter Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Darlin Sugaree 1.50 1 2-1
6 6 Bobs Honey 6.00 3.9 7-1
5 5 Final Table Lady 3.00 4.8 9-1
3 3 Pasalubong 4.00 5.2 10-1
1 1 Gracies Gem 4.50 5.5 10-1
4 4 Strong Morals 8.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Della Terra 1.00 1 2-1
3 3 Turkey Bird 5.00 3.7 7-1
6 6 West Fresno 12.00 4.5 9-1
5 5 Daddygaveittome 6.00 4.9 9-1
2 2 Jennys Wine Girl 2.50 4.9 9-1
4 4 Dad’s Bad Bunny 8.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Uncle Evco 2.00 1 2-1
1 1 Gentlemen’s Club 3.00 2.8 5-1
3 3 Nobel Gary 6.00 2.9 5-1
4 4 One Big Smile 30.00 3.4 6-1
5 5 Malibu Rocks 2.50 4.1 8-1
7 7 Kamaina Cruiser 4.00 5.5 10-1
2 2 Pat Can’t Count 30.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Big Bill 2.00 1 2-1
6 6 Hardtobebetternow 1.50 1.6 3-1
5 5 Rich Reward 2.50 3.5 7-1
2 2 Irish Element 8.00 3.7 7-1
4 4 Star of Delhi 30.00 5.2 10-1
7 7 Benny’s Puzzle 30.00 6.6 13-1
1 1 Maul 10.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Las Flores S.) – Las Flores S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Thermal 1.50 1 2-1
1 1 Magnificat 2.00 2.5 5-1
5 5 Ooty (ARG) 6.00 2.7 5-1
2 2 Margarita Girl 2.50 4.5 8-1
3 3 Nafisa 8.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Honey’s Choice 4.50 1 2-1
1 1 Plettenberg Bay 4.00 5.3 10-1
3 3 Chapter One 30.00 8.6 16-1
5 5 B G Bullet 12.00 8.7 16-1
7 7 Ahrens 12.00 8.8 17-1
10 10 Midnight Ambush 30.00 8.8 17-1
4 4 Airliner 10.00 8.9 17-1
6 6 Ruler of Law 3.00 9.2 17-1
9 9 Toby’s Honor 15.00 9.2 17-1
8 8 Postmodern 2.50 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
9 9 Winds of Freedom 2.50 1 2-1
6 6 Howbeit 5.00 4.1 8-1
8 8 Nostrangrtotherain 12.00 4.5 8-1
4 4 Distant Fleet 8.00 4.8 9-1
3 3 Zombo Bombo 3.00 5.1 10-1
7 7 Windribbon 4.00 5.1 10-1
1 1 Brutto 8.00 6.1 11-1
5 5 Silverado Storm 30.00 8.3 16-1
2 2 Grazen Sun 20.00 9 17-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
10 10 Christel Clean 1.80 1 2-1
9 9 Fancy Facts 3.00 4.5 8-1
6 6 Danzing Flyer 12.00 4.7 9-1
5 5 Pavel’s Etoile 15.00 5.8 11-1
11 11 Mendelssohns Angel 6.00 5.9 11-1
12 12 Dorie Miller 4.00 6.3 12-1
8 8 Hey Demps 5.00 7.2 14-1
4 4 Freya 30.00 10.3 19-1
1 1 Shezmisbehaving 6.00 10.9 21-1
3 3 Clubhouse Cutie 10.00 11.2 21-1
7 7 Nell’s Legacy 30.00 11.3 21-1
2 2 Strange Addiction 15.00 12 23-1

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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