Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Friday, April 17, 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 Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Baby Needs Shoes 2.00 1 2-1
6 6 Suntory Time 2.50 1.3 2-1
3 3 Intuitivebynature 4.50 2.5 5-1
2 2 G’oro 5.00 2.8 5-1
5 5 Up for the Hunt 6.00 3.4 6-1
7 7 Genuine Grace 10.00 5.8 11-1
4 4 By the Moonlight 12.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Beer Buzz 1.60 1 2-1
2 2 Blame It On Jack 1.80 1.1 2-1
4 4 Dr. Filkins 2.50 1.6 3-1
3 3 Hungover 6.00 3.8 7-1
1 1 Quality Gold 8.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Cyprus Moon 1.40 1 2-1
2 2 Delitefull Hart 2.50 1.7 3-1
4 4 How Lovely (IRE) 3.00 2 4-1
3 3 Shamrockin 4.00 2.6 5-1
5 5 How About Pavel 8.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Soi Ngern 1.20 1 2-1
2 2 Joey Ten 4.00 1.9 4-1
3 3 Subic Boy 5.00 2.2 4-1
1 1 Tab Walker 5.00 2.2 4-1
7 7 Kiki Ride 6.00 2.5 5-1
5 5 Son of Oneeyedmama 10.00 3.8 7-1
4 4 Naudesnoodle 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Shangrilama (IRE) 2.00 1 2-1
2 2 Long Mayshe Reign 3.00 1.3 2-1
8 8 Special Flower 4.50 1.6 3-1
1 1 Invincible Molly (GB) 5.00 1.8 3-1
6 6 Oveta’s Hobby 6.00 2 4-1
7 7 Tam’s Little Angel 10.00 3 6-1
5 5 Ro Town 12.00 3.5 7-1
3 3 Dress Rehearsal 30.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Can’t Say That 0.80 1 2-1
6 6 Cammy’s Girl 3.50 2.1 4-1
3 3 Gogotiz 6.00 3.2 6-1
2 2 Daddygaveittome 8.00 4 8-1
7 7 Lady Ruth 10.00 4.9 9-1
4 4 Ibiza Flavor 12.00 5.7 11-1
5 5 Danzig Til Dawn 15.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Scene by Me 2.00 1 2-1
2 2 Grazed 3.50 1.3 2-1
6 6 Known Idea 4.00 1.3 3-1
3 3 Supernal 4.00 1.3 3-1
7 7 Sir Percival 4.50 1.4 3-1
9 9 Minister Shane 8.00 2 4-1
1 1 Trump Era 12.00 2.7 5-1
4 4 Druidic 20.00 4 8-1
8 8 Petrakos 50.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Leyas Candy 2.00 1 2-1
4 4 Contrary Chieftain 2.50 1.2 2-1
3 3 Mighty Kai 4.00 1.7 3-1
1 1 Upstart Yankee 6.00 2.3 4-1
6 6 Mother’s Prayer 6.00 2.3 4-1
5 5 So I’m Told 8.00 3 6-1
7 7 Love Candy 20.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Tom Seaver 1.20 1 2-1
6 6 Curlin Command 4.00 2.2 4-1
4 4 Miles Finch 5.00 2.6 5-1
1 1 Refocus 6.00 3 6-1
2 2 Mio Bambino 8.00 3.9 7-1
9 9 Hothead 8.00 3.9 7-1
7 7 Frank Bullitt 10.00 4.7 9-1
3 3 Clever Clover 15.00 6.9 13-1
8 8 Chromeflash 20.00 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.