Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Thursday, April 2, 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
4 4 Preem 2.50 1 2-1
5 5 Motet 3.00 1.5 3-1
3 3 Exington 3.50 1.9 4-1
1 1 Newport Dreamz 4.00 2.4 4-1
2 2 Fibonaccis Ride 4.00 2.4 4-1
6 6 Infinity Dream 8.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Starter Optional Claiming) – Starter Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Shared Future 2.00 1 2-1
4 4 Nanci Griffith 2.50 1.3 2-1
6 6 Lady Rider 3.00 1.6 3-1
5 5 Theresasilverlinin 4.50 2.6 5-1
2 2 Bessie Coleman 6.00 3.5 7-1
1 1 Chai 10.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Silent Way 2.50 1 2-1
6 6 Authentic Patriot 3.00 1.3 2-1
2 2 Memory 3.00 1.3 2-1
1 1 Plagarist 3.50 1.5 3-1
4 4 Zihnal 4.50 2.1 4-1
5 5 Catch the Max 12.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Flying Drummer 1.40 1 2-1
1 1 Packs a Wahlop 3.00 2.2 4-1
6 6 None Above the Law 4.50 3.4 6-1
3 3 Tariff 5.00 3.7 7-1
4 4 Geometry 6.00 4.5 8-1
5 5 Uncle Happy 8.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Matt At Five 1.60 1 2-1
2 2 King’s Ride 3.00 1.6 3-1
1 1 Blame It On Jack 4.00 2.1 4-1
7 7 Knowhere 4.50 2.3 4-1
4 4 Sunset Ride 8.00 3.9 7-1
5 5 Papa Santos 10.00 4.8 9-1
3 3 Take Another Swing 15.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Third Beer 1.80 1 2-1
5 5 Army Man 2.00 1.1 2-1
4 4 Charlie’s Curlin 2.00 1.1 2-1
1 1 Bust Out 4.50 1.8 3-1
2 2 Court of Appeal 15.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Magic Connection 1.00 1 2-1
3 3 Bolt Supremacy 2.50 1.5 3-1
7 7 Novinophobia 4.00 2 4-1
6 6 James J. Braddock 10.00 3.8 7-1
2 2 Meeking 12.00 4.5 8-1
5 5 Tiger Strength 15.00 5.4 10-1
4 4 Torleif 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Bint Al Dandy (IRE) 1.40 1 2-1
2 2 Robin With a Why 2.50 1.4 3-1
3 3 Sensational Dream 6.00 2.7 5-1
4 4 We Salute You 6.00 2.7 5-1
7 7 Kitty Marren 8.00 3.5 7-1
6 6 Queen Kimbe 12.00 5 9-1
1 1 Butterfly Beach 20.00 8 15-1
8 8 Tulavia’s World 20.00 8 15-1

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.