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
5 5 Up for the Hunt 6.00 1 2-1
6 6 Suntory Time 2.50 1.3 2-1
1 1 Baby Needs Shoes 2.00 1.7 3-1
2 2 G’oro 5.00 4.3 8-1
3 3 Intuitivebynature 4.50 4.3 8-1
7 7 Genuine Grace 10.00 5.6 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
4 4 Dr. Filkins 2.50 1.8 3-1
3 3 Hungover 6.00 2.2 4-1
2 2 Blame It On Jack 1.80 2.5 5-1
1 1 Quality Gold 8.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Delitefull Hart 2.50 1 2-1
1 1 Cyprus Moon 1.40 2.2 4-1
4 4 How Lovely (IRE) 3.00 3.5 7-1
5 5 How About Pavel 8.00 3.8 7-1
3 3 Shamrockin 4.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Tab Walker 5.00 1 2-1
6 6 Soi Ngern 1.20 1.4 3-1
7 7 Kiki Ride 6.00 2.3 4-1
3 3 Subic Boy 5.00 3.1 6-1
4 4 Naudesnoodle 20.00 3.7 7-1
2 2 Joey Ten 4.00 4.4 8-1
5 5 Son of Oneeyedmama 10.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Special Flower 4.50 1 2-1
4 4 Shangrilama (IRE) 2.00 1.9 4-1
1 1 Invincible Molly (GB) 5.00 2 4-1
6 6 Oveta’s Hobby 6.00 2.4 5-1
5 5 Ro Town 12.00 2.6 5-1
2 2 Long Mayshe Reign 3.00 2.6 5-1
7 7 Tam’s Little Angel 10.00 3.2 6-1
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 2.7 5-1
5 5 Danzig Til Dawn 15.00 3.7 7-1
4 4 Ibiza Flavor 12.00 4.2 8-1
2 2 Daddygaveittome 8.00 4.8 9-1
3 3 Gogotiz 6.00 5.6 11-1
7 7 Lady Ruth 10.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Supernal 4.00 1 2-1
5 5 Scene by Me 2.00 1.7 3-1
2 2 Grazed 3.50 2.4 4-1
6 6 Known Idea 4.00 2.6 5-1
7 7 Sir Percival 4.50 2.7 5-1
4 4 Druidic 20.00 3.2 6-1
9 9 Minister Shane 8.00 4.1 8-1
1 1 Trump Era 12.00 SCRATCH
8 8 Petrakos 50.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 8 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Mighty Kai 4.00 1 2-1
6 6 Mother’s Prayer 6.00 1.3 3-1
5 5 So I’m Told 8.00 1.5 3-1
2 2 Leyas Candy 2.00 1.8 3-1
1 1 Upstart Yankee 6.00 2.4 5-1
7 7 Love Candy 20.00 4.9 9-1
4 4 Contrary Chieftain 2.50 SCRATCH

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 1.4 3-1
1 1 Refocus 6.00 2.3 4-1
4 4 Miles Finch 5.00 2.9 6-1
2 2 Mio Bambino 8.00 3.6 7-1
8 8 Chromeflash 20.00 3.9 7-1
7 7 Frank Bullitt 10.00 4 7-1
3 3 Clever Clover 15.00 4.5 8-1
9 9 Hothead 8.00 SCRATCH

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.