Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Sunday, April 19, 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
9 9 Belmont Bill 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Disko Tribute 0.00 1 2-1
8 8 Yogi Boy 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Golden Ale 0.00 1 2-1
14 14 Malibu Coast 0.00 1 2-1
10 10 Ballyvaughan Gig 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Bob’s Blue Moon 0.00 1 2-1
11 11 Jeweled Shillelagh 0.00 1 2-1
12 12 Naftis 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Elegant Life 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 One Smokin Dude 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 Mutt Dillin 0.00 1 2-1
13 13 Commander (FR) 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Tigerhon (FR) 0.00 1 2-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Fausto 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Attack Now 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Midway Lane 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Ghostwritten 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Montana Jet 0.00 1 2-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Lady Gambita 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Wildfire Princess 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Nikolina 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 A Great Shaking 0.00 1 2-1
9 9 Stardialed 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Angel Baby 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Eva Lea 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Cosmo Friday 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Empress Matilda (GB) 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Cupid’s Crusader 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Last Call Paul 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Mongolian Max 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Ballyhooligan 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Tee N Off 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Grandisimo 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Rollinwithpolan 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Trump Era 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 Joker Went Wild 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Scatalotadingdong 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 He’s a Knockout 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Original One 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Petrakos 0.00 1 2-1
9 9 Tamarando Beach 0.00 1 2-1
8 8 Allequin Summer 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Windribbon 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Smarty Nose 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Morello 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Carol’s Comic 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Melanie’s Tiger 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Sunset Storm 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 James J. Braddock 0.00 1 2-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Baldoro 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Lahaina Flavor 0.00 1 2-1
9 9 Rastaman Vibe 0.00 1 2-1
8 8 Midnight Strike 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Cali Cat 0.00 1 2-1
10 10 Call Me Cory 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Catch the Breeze 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Cruisin for Cali 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 City Exile (GB) 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Mythical Reel (IRE) 0.00 1 2-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Santa Maria S.) – Santa Maria S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Nafisa 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Catalina Cocktail 0.00 1 2-1
2 2 Lemon Muffin 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Simply Joking 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Syntax 0.00 1 2-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Positive Times 0.00 1 2-1
11 11 Doing Time 0.00 1 2-1
9 9 Flash of Lightning 0.00 1 2-1
4 4 Throwthefirstpunch 0.00 1 2-1
1 1 Its the Bandit 0.00 1 2-1
5 5 Take Another Swing 0.00 1 2-1
3 3 Robin Olds 0.00 1 2-1
7 7 John Metcalfe 0.00 1 2-1
12 12 Big Vengeance 0.00 1 2-1
10 10 Ottis Betts 0.00 1 2-1
13 13 Booked Clubhouse 0.00 1 2-1
6 6 Farmer Tom 0.00 1 2-1
8 8 Practical Blame 0.00 1 2-1

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.