Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Monday, February 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 (Maiden Optional Claiming) – Maiden Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Debby’s Gal 1.60 1 2-1
2 2 Eighties Music 3.00 2.3 4-1
5 5 Angel Baby 8.00 3.1 6-1
4 4 Kintrigue 2.50 3.3 6-1
1 1 McSniper 3.50 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Mici’s Express 3.00 1 2-1
6 6 The Old Nine (IRE) 6.00 1.2 2-1
2 2 Handsome Ticket 1.80 2.6 5-1
3 3 Ballyhooligan 2.00 4.4 8-1
1 1 Macho Man 12.00 5.9 11-1
5 5 Unbridled Vision 8.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Plagarist 6.00 1 2-1
5 5 Blacksmith 0.80 1.7 3-1
2 2 Authentic Patriot 3.00 4.4 8-1
3 3 Sharons Beach 3.50 4.9 9-1
6 6 Out of the Woods 12.00 5.7 11-1
1 1 Maximum Gladiator 30.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Lady Rider 5.00 1 2-1
1 1 O K Rose 3.50 2.2 4-1
4 4 Starry Night 3.00 3.9 7-1
6 6 Miss Meagher (IRE) 4.00 5.2 10-1
7 7 Idessia 5.00 5.3 10-1
5 5 Miyako 4.50 5.5 10-1
2 2 Giggle Giggle 12.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Silver I Am 8.00 1 2-1
5 5 Afternoon Nap 2.50 1.2 2-1
7 7 Special Club 3.50 2 4-1
4 4 Galland de Besos 20.00 3.3 6-1
3 3 One Smokin Dude 6.00 3.5 7-1
2 2 Mr. Machupicchu 6.00 5.5 10-1
1 1 Coach Cronin 2.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Uecker 10.00 1 2-1
1 1 Maker and Sons 30.00 1.5 3-1
3 3 Can’t Help Myself 4.50 1.8 3-1
6 6 Ventry Strand 4.50 3.7 7-1
7 7 Third Beer 2.50 4.1 8-1
5 5 Dark Blue 6.00 4.9 9-1
2 2 Arkadelphia 20.00 5.6 11-1
9 9 Cruise Home 8.00 8.1 15-1
8 8 Dark Omen 4.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Broadway Unions 4.50 1 2-1
4 4 Tougherthantherest 3.50 3.1 6-1
1 1 Northern Quest 12.00 3.9 7-1
8 8 Austonian 2.00 4.3 8-1
3 3 Alpine Thunder 8.00 4.3 8-1
2 2 Oobubbakakayo 10.00 5.3 10-1
7 7 Mother’s Prayer 8.00 7.9 15-1
6 6 Dark Marcus 6.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Harcyn 6.00 1 2-1
10 10 Tigerhon (FR) 6.00 3.4 6-1
9 9 Doncic 5.00 4.2 8-1
1 1 Central Dispatch 2.50 4.6 9-1
3 3 Mucho Del Oro 3.00 5.4 10-1
7 7 Hacking It Up 12.00 7.4 14-1
8 8 Pioneer Prince 10.00 7.5 14-1
4 4 Wild Jewels 30.00 7.9 15-1
6 6 Veritas Aequitas 30.00 8.1 15-1
2 2 Dakota Country 20.00 9.3 18-1
11 11 Autism Puzzle 20.00 11 21-1

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.