Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Friday, January 9, 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
2 2 Greta’s Ghost 4.50 1 2-1
3 3 Gemadini 1.60 1.2 2-1
7 7 Vronaway 5.00 2.1 4-1
4 4 Makenarita 2.00 3.1 6-1
1 1 Siempre Naman 15.00 4.6 9-1
5 5 My Kimmie 20.00 5.6 11-1
6 6 Reckless Ride 10.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Case Hit 2.00 1 2-1
5 5 Smart Code 2.50 2.4 5-1
4 4 Vancougar 3.00 3.9 7-1
2 2 Crazy Cavalier 4.50 5 9-1
7 7 Spearfish 10.00 5.6 11-1
3 3 Chick’s Dig It 12.00 5.6 11-1
6 6 Cody Boy 20.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Cherokee Nation 1.40 1 2-1
2 2 Blacksmith 0.80 3 6-1
5 5 Eruption 12.00 3.9 7-1
4 4 Easy Company 10.00 4.4 8-1
3 3 Robusta 8.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Libel Proof 2.50 1 2-1
5 5 Cecilia Street 4.00 2.4 4-1
6 6 My Kat 1.60 2.6 5-1
2 2 Donttellmewhattodo 6.00 2.8 5-1
4 4 Lino’s Angel 5.00 3.9 7-1
3 3 Pasalubong 20.00 5.4 10-1
1 1 Donde Esta Jefe 20.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Starter Optional Claiming) – Starter Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Court of Appeal 4.50 1 2-1
3 3 Marcos Performance 4.00 1.3 3-1
4 4 In the Mix 8.00 1.9 4-1
2 2 Sendit Mo 1.40 2.1 4-1
1 1 Desert Kat 12.00 2.4 4-1
5 5 Track Tiger 2.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 6 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Legal Heir 3.00 1 2-1
3 3 Rostovsky 4.00 1 2-1
7 7 Fausto 6.00 1.7 3-1
6 6 Kokosan 1.80 2.2 4-1
2 2 Attack Now 30.00 3.6 7-1
4 4 Love’s Cause 10.00 SCRATCH
8 8 Babe Ruthless 8.00 5.7 11-1
5 5 Vino Amante 12.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 7 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
14 13 Scotlynn Rae 6.00 1 2-1
2 2 Duchess Cat 20.00 4 8-1
5 5 Kiss Me Coco 4.00 5.2 10-1
10 9 Can You Dream 12.00 5.9 11-1
13 12 Graydar Classic 8.00 5.9 11-1
4 4 Pronounce It 3.50 6.1 11-1
12 11 Smokin Hot Chick 10.00 6.1 11-1
6 6 Twisted Humor 5.00 6.1 12-1
8 7 Dancing With Shari 20.00 6.7 13-1
3 3 Dakota’s Shadow 8.00 7.2 14-1
1 1 E Nang 30.00 7.4 14-1
9 8 Mia Forza 30.00 7.8 15-1
7 98 Aguila Azul 0.00 SCRATCH
11 10 Savannahs Big Girl 6.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Tribal 1.20 1 2-1
9 9 Empire’s Classic 5.00 2.6 5-1
7 7 Tapit Dynasty 5.00 4.5 9-1
8 8 Everydayissaturday 15.00 4.8 9-1
6 6 Typhoon Tommy 20.00 4.9 9-1
5 5 Six Magpies (IRE) 6.00 5 9-1
1 1 Do It for Dave 30.00 5.6 11-1
3 3 Pat Can’t Count 30.00 6.9 13-1
4 4 Comininalittlehot 4.50 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Scary Fast Ride 3.00 1 2-1
6 6 Lolo Le Plume 2.00 3.7 7-1
5 5 Nafisa 2.50 3.7 7-1
3 3 Deep Blue 6.00 5.6 11-1
2 2 Time to Shine 8.00 5.7 11-1
1 1 Chai 5.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 10 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Oveta’s Hobby 8.00 1 2-1
9 9 Shangrilama (IRE) 4.50 1.9 4-1
7 7 Special Flower 5.00 3.1 6-1
1 1 Cyprus Moon 4.00 3.2 6-1
4 4 Tam’s Little Angel 10.00 4 8-1
5 5 Lovin’ On the Run 3.00 6.1 11-1
10 10 Shamrockin 20.00 6.9 13-1
6 6 Gypsy Woman (IRE) 15.00 7.4 14-1
3 3 A Real Jewel 30.00 7.7 15-1
8 8 Big Mama Sue 6.00 10.2 19-1
13 13 Emirates Affair 15.00 SCRATCH
12 12 Lamporghini 8.00 SCRATCH
11 11 Shin Jidai (GB) 6.00 SCRATCH
14 14 Needlepoint (IRE) 20.00 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.