Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Friday, February 20, 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
6 6 Kintrigue 4.00 1 2-1
4 4 Improbable U 2.00 1.4 3-1
5 5 McSniper 4.00 3.1 6-1
1 1 Eighties Music 3.00 3.4 6-1
3 3 Debby’s Gal 3.50 3.9 7-1
2 2 Angel Baby 15.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Wave With Envy 3.00 1 2-1
4 4 A. P. Again 1.80 1.3 2-1
2 2 Flashy Fritz 1.60 1.8 3-1
1 1 One Happy Dude 6.00 2.6 5-1
3 3 Desert Kat 6.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Authentic Patriot 2.50 1 2-1
4 4 Blacksmith 0.80 1.7 3-1
2 2 Easy Company 3.50 1.9 4-1
1 1 Out of the Woods 15.00 4.2 8-1
5 5 Plagarist 6.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Northern Quest 6.00 1 2-1
1 1 Austonian 1.60 1.1 2-1
3 3 Oobubbakakayo 8.00 1.8 3-1
6 6 Tougherthantherest 2.50 2.7 5-1
4 4 Mother’s Prayer 5.00 3.1 6-1
5 5 Dark Marcus 4.50 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Texas Wildcat 5.00 1 2-1
1 1 Trail Blaze 3.50 2.3 4-1
4 4 Another Juanito 2.50 2.9 6-1
6 6 Maximum Gladiator 15.00 3.1 6-1
3 3 Ahrens 1.40 4.6 9-1
2 2 Nash for Cash 15.00 6.2 12-1
7 7 Southern Sig 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Mici’s Express 3.00 1 2-1
4 4 Ballyhooligan 2.00 3.8 7-1
3 3 Handsome Ticket 1.80 3.8 7-1
1 1 The Old Nine (IRE) 5.00 4.2 8-1
6 6 Unbridled Vision 8.00 5.3 10-1
5 5 Macho Man 15.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Maiden Optional Claiming) – Maiden Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Dreaming On 8.00 1 2-1
2 2 Sharons Beach 1.50 1.1 2-1
5 5 Cruisin for Cali 12.00 3.7 7-1
1 1 Whynotanotherone 3.50 3.9 7-1
3 3 Montana Jet 5.00 4 8-1
7 7 Sterling Sea 8.00 5.3 10-1
4 4 Dutton’s Song 12.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Tapatia Mia 5.00 1 2-1
4 4 Still Unwritten 6.00 SCRATCH
7 7 My Kat 2.50 4.1 8-1
1 1 Libel Proof 5.00 4.2 8-1
2 2 Memetic 8.00 5.6 11-1
9 9 Lino’s Angel 4.50 5.9 11-1
5 5 Donttellmewhattodo 10.00 8.2 15-1
6 6 Call Me Susie 30.00 9 17-1
8 8 Pasalubong 10.00 9 17-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Afternoon Nap 3.00 1 2-1
6 6 Silver I Am 8.00 1.7 3-1
7 7 Coach Cronin 1.80 2.4 5-1
4 4 Special Club 3.00 3.1 6-1
2 2 Mr. Machupicchu 6.00 4.7 9-1
1 1 One Smokin Dude 8.00 4.8 9-1
5 5 Galland de Besos 20.00 7 13-1

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.