Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Friday, January 16, 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 (Starter Optional Claiming) – Starter Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Rehearsal (IRE) 1.40 1 2-1
2 2 Garden Party 2.50 2 4-1
5 5 Wildfire Princess 3.00 2.4 5-1
3 3 Deep Blue 5.00 4.1 8-1
4 4 Infinity Dream 6.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Della Terra 0.80 1 2-1
4 4 Jennys Wine Girl 2.50 1.7 3-1
2 2 Stubborn 4.00 2.4 5-1
3 3 Daddygaveittome 6.00 3.3 6-1
5 5 West Fresno 10.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Maniae 1.80 1 2-1
2 2 Eltonsingsanother 2.50 1.2 2-1
4 4 Toulouse Detrac 4.00 1.7 3-1
3 3 Saint Mihiel 5.00 2.1 4-1
7 7 Angi’s Tipsy 6.00 2.4 4-1
6 6 Straker 15.00 5.4 10-1
5 5 Big Soiree 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Gentlemen’s Club 2.50 1 2-1
1 1 Typhoon Tommy 3.00 1.5 3-1
4 4 Malibu Rocks 3.50 1.9 4-1
6 6 Uncle Evco 3.50 1.9 4-1
2 2 Kamaina Cruiser 5.00 3.3 6-1
5 5 Mischief Moments 8.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Miss Meagher (IRE) 3.50 1 2-1
3 3 Going Lucky 4.00 1.4 3-1
5 5 O K Rose 4.50 1.8 3-1
2 2 Miyako 4.50 1.8 3-1
8 8 Dorie Miller 5.00 2.2 4-1
6 6 Crossanna 6.00 3.1 6-1
4 4 Aleramo (IRE) 8.00 4.7 9-1
7 7 Giggle Giggle 12.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Pilot Commander 0.80 1 2-1
1 1 Winterfell 1.80 1.1 2-1
5 5 Bullard 3.50 1.4 3-1
2 2 Midnight Mammoth 8.00 2 4-1
4 4 Baladi 30.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Man Child 2.00 1 2-1
6 6 Raging Waters 3.50 1.7 3-1
2 2 The Big Cheeseola 4.00 1.9 4-1
4 4 Tougherthantherest 4.50 2.2 4-1
3 3 Gypsy Tears 5.00 2.4 4-1
5 5 Atomic Drop 8.00 3.8 7-1
7 7 Habeas 15.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 98 Betterdaysrcoming (IRE) 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 Minister Shane 4.50 3 6-1
10 9 Harcyn 4.50 3 6-1
3 3 Simplexity (IRE) 5.00 3.3 6-1
1 1 Commander (FR) 6.00 3.7 7-1
9 8 Crosby Beach 8.00 4.6 9-1
5 5 Please Focus 8.00 4.6 9-1
2 2 Code Duello 10.00 5.5 10-1
4 4 Binging 20.00 10 19-1
6 6 Run for Kidder 20.00 10 19-1

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.