Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Saturday, February 28, 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 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 With Love (GB) 1.60 1 2-1
3 3 Motet 3.00 1.5 3-1
5 5 Newport Dreamz 4.00 1.8 3-1
1 1 True Patriot 4.50 2 4-1
6 6 Church Lady (IRE) 5.00 2.1 4-1
7 7 Morgan’s Bluff 20.00 7 13-1
4 4 Kazamataz 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Millbo Baggins 1.20 1 2-1
1 1 Gilchrist 2.50 1.6 3-1
4 4 Sunk Cost Fallacy 3.00 1.8 3-1
2 2 Hungover 4.00 2.3 4-1
5 5 Quality Gold 10.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Starter Optional Claiming) – Starter Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Issa Court 1.50 1 2-1
8 8 Dea Matrona (FR) 3.50 1.8 3-1
2 2 Corporal Violette (IRE) 5.00 2.3 4-1
7 7 Cameron Slough 6.00 2.7 5-1
6 6 Crossanna 6.00 2.7 5-1
5 5 Sakura Flavor (IRE) 10.00 4.2 8-1
4 4 Chai 15.00 6.1 12-1
1 1 She’s Splendid 20.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Starter Allowance) – Starter Allowance

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Uffda 2.00 1 2-1
4 4 Auditory 2.50 1.4 3-1
5 5 Sensational Z Z 4.00 2.5 5-1
3 3 Rousing Jewel 5.00 3.3 6-1
7 7 Ryan’s Girl 8.00 5.5 10-1
2 2 Tiergarten 10.00 7 13-1
6 6 Unwritten Code 10.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Otto’s Magic 2.50 1 2-1
4 4 Scene by Me 4.50 2 4-1
3 3 Big Bill 5.00 2.3 4-1
5 5 Curlin Command 6.00 2.8 5-1
9 9 Just a Graze 8.00 3.8 7-1
1 1 Little Raymond 8.00 3.8 7-1
6 6 Whiz Kidd 10.00 4.9 9-1
8 8 Beer Buzz 12.00 5.9 11-1
7 7 He’s a Gangster 15.00 7.4 14-1
10 10 Danzing Wild Cat 20.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Binging 2.50 1 2-1
5 5 Ya’ll Come 3.00 1.3 2-1
6 6 Bluegrass Go Go 3.50 1.6 3-1
7 7 Billy Joe Shaver 5.00 2.4 5-1
8 8 Cupid’s Crusader 6.00 3 6-1
1 1 Bet the Om 12.00 6.3 12-1
3 3 Spiritist 15.00 8 15-1
4 4 Tee N Off 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Buena Vista S.) – Buena Vista S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Thought Process 1.80 1 2-1
2 2 Grand Slam Smile 3.00 1.3 2-1
7 7 Vibez 3.50 1.4 3-1
3 3 Watchtower 4.50 1.6 3-1
4 4 Princesa Moche (PER) 5.00 1.7 3-1
6 6 My Perfect Wave 20.00 4.9 9-1
5 5 Hannah Buckle (IRE) 30.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Darlin Sugaree 1.60 1 2-1
4 4 Tammy Baby 3.50 2 4-1
8 8 Dakota’s Shadow 4.50 2.5 5-1
2 2 Pride of Queens 6.00 3.3 6-1
6 6 Little Tinker Elle 8.00 4.3 8-1
5 5 Crunchy 10.00 5.4 10-1
3 3 Victoria’s Jewel 12.00 6.4 12-1
7 7 Om Time Gal 15.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Novita Dominga 3.00 1 2-1
4 4 Nerida (FR) 4.00 1.3 2-1
5 5 Red Cherry 4.50 1.4 3-1
3 3 Munny Reigns 5.00 1.6 3-1
2 2 Lerios 6.00 1.9 4-1
6 6 Bailarina 8.00 2.5 5-1
9 9 Shahar 8.00 2.5 5-1
8 8 Soul Sister 12.00 3.7 7-1
7 7 Kinzlee’scharisma 30.00 9 17-1

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.