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
3 3 Gemadini 1.60 1 2-1
4 4 Makenarita 2.00 1.1 2-1
2 2 Greta’s Ghost 4.50 2 4-1
7 7 Vronaway 5.00 2.1 4-1
6 6 Reckless Ride 10.00 3.7 7-1
1 1 Siempre Naman 15.00 5.4 10-1
5 5 My Kimmie 20.00 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 1.2 2-1
4 4 Vancougar 3.00 1.3 3-1
2 2 Crazy Cavalier 4.50 1.8 3-1
7 7 Spearfish 10.00 3.7 7-1
3 3 Chick’s Dig It 12.00 4.3 8-1
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
2 2 Blacksmith 0.80 1 2-1
1 1 Cherokee Nation 1.40 1.2 2-1
3 3 Robusta 8.00 3.6 7-1
4 4 Easy Company 10.00 4.3 8-1
5 5 Eruption 12.00 5 9-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 My Kat 1.60 1 2-1
7 7 Libel Proof 2.50 1.3 2-1
5 5 Cecilia Street 4.00 1.8 3-1
4 4 Lino’s Angel 5.00 2.1 4-1
2 2 Donttellmewhattodo 6.00 2.4 5-1
3 3 Pasalubong 20.00 7 13-1
1 1 Donde Esta Jefe 20.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Sendit Mo 1.40 1 2-1
5 5 Track Tiger 2.50 1.5 3-1
3 3 Marcos Performance 4.00 2.2 4-1
6 6 Court of Appeal 4.50 2.5 5-1
4 4 In the Mix 8.00 4.1 8-1
1 1 Desert Kat 12.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Kokosan 1.80 1 2-1
1 1 Legal Heir 3.00 1.3 2-1
3 3 Rostovsky 4.00 1.6 3-1
7 7 Fausto 6.00 2 4-1
8 8 Babe Ruthless 8.00 2.5 5-1
4 4 Love’s Cause 10.00 3 6-1
5 5 Vino Amante 12.00 3.5 7-1
2 2 Attack Now 30.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 98 Aguila Azul 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Pronounce It 3.50 2.5 5-1
5 5 Kiss Me Coco 4.00 2.7 5-1
6 6 Twisted Humor 5.00 3.2 6-1
11 10 Savannahs Big Girl 6.00 3.6 7-1
14 13 Scotlynn Rae 6.00 3.6 7-1
13 12 Graydar Classic 8.00 4.5 8-1
3 3 Dakota’s Shadow 8.00 4.5 8-1
12 11 Smokin Hot Chick 10.00 5.3 10-1
10 9 Can You Dream 12.00 6.2 12-1
2 2 Duchess Cat 20.00 9.7 18-1
8 7 Dancing With Shari 20.00 9.7 18-1
9 8 Mia Forza 30.00 14 26-1
1 1 E Nang 30.00 14 26-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Tribal 1.20 1 2-1
4 4 Comininalittlehot 4.50 1.9 4-1
9 9 Empire’s Classic 5.00 2.1 4-1
7 7 Tapit Dynasty 5.00 2.1 4-1
5 5 Six Magpies (IRE) 6.00 2.3 4-1
8 8 Everydayissaturday 15.00 4.8 9-1
6 6 Typhoon Tommy 20.00 6.2 12-1
3 3 Pat Can’t Count 30.00 9 17-1
1 1 Do It for Dave 30.00 9 17-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Lolo Le Plume 2.00 1 2-1
5 5 Nafisa 2.50 1.4 3-1
4 4 Scary Fast Ride 3.00 1.8 3-1
1 1 Chai 5.00 3.5 7-1
3 3 Deep Blue 6.00 4.3 8-1
2 2 Time to Shine 8.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 10 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Lovin’ On the Run 3.00 1 2-1
1 1 Cyprus Moon 4.00 1.5 3-1
9 9 Shangrilama (IRE) 4.50 1.7 3-1
7 7 Special Flower 5.00 2 4-1
8 8 Big Mama Sue 6.00 2.4 5-1
11 11 Shin Jidai (GB) 6.00 2.4 5-1
12 12 Lamporghini 8.00 3.4 6-1
2 2 Oveta’s Hobby 8.00 3.4 6-1
4 4 Tam’s Little Angel 10.00 4.4 8-1
13 13 Emirates Affair 15.00 6.8 13-1
6 6 Gypsy Woman (IRE) 15.00 6.8 13-1
10 10 Shamrockin 20.00 9.2 17-1
14 14 Needlepoint (IRE) 20.00 9.2 17-1
3 3 A Real Jewel 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.