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
4 4 Tigerhon (FR) 2.50 1 2-1
10 10 Ballyvaughan Gig 3.50 1.5 3-1
5 5 Disko Tribute 4.00 1.7 3-1
6 6 Golden Ale 4.50 2 4-1
8 8 Yogi Boy 6.00 2.7 5-1
14 14 Malibu Coast 6.00 2.7 5-1
3 3 Bob’s Blue Moon 6.00 2.7 5-1
9 9 Belmont Bill 10.00 4.6 9-1
2 2 One Smokin Dude 10.00 4.6 9-1
1 1 Elegant Life 15.00 6.9 13-1
7 7 Mutt Dillin 15.00 6.9 13-1
11 11 Jeweled Shillelagh 20.00 9.3 18-1
13 13 Commander (FR) 20.00 9.3 18-1
12 12 Naftis 30.00 14 26-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Midway Lane 1.40 1 2-1
5 5 Fausto 2.00 1.5 3-1
2 2 Attack Now 4.00 3.3 6-1
4 4 Montana Jet 4.50 3.7 7-1
1 1 Ghostwritten 6.00 5 9-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Nikolina 3.50 1 2-1
6 6 Wildfire Princess 4.00 1.2 2-1
5 5 Eva Lea 4.00 1.2 2-1
4 4 Empress Matilda (GB) 4.00 1.2 2-1
9 9 Stardialed 6.00 2.2 4-1
7 7 A Great Shaking 8.00 3.2 6-1
3 3 Cosmo Friday 10.00 4.2 8-1
8 8 Lady Gambita 20.00 9 17-1
1 1 Angel Baby 20.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Mongolian Max 1.80 1 2-1
2 2 Ballyhooligan 2.00 1.2 2-1
1 1 Last Call Paul 4.50 3.2 6-1
3 3 Cupid’s Crusader 6.00 4.4 8-1
5 5 Grandisimo 6.00 4.4 8-1
4 4 Tee N Off 8.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 He’s a Knockout 1.40 1 2-1
5 5 Scatalotadingdong 3.50 1.4 3-1
3 3 Rollinwithpolan 5.00 1.6 3-1
7 7 Joker Went Wild 6.00 1.8 3-1
9 9 Tamarando Beach 10.00 2.4 5-1
8 8 Allequin Summer 10.00 2.4 5-1
1 1 Trump Era 12.00 2.7 5-1
4 4 Original One 20.00 4.1 8-1
2 2 Petrakos 50.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Windribbon 1.80 1 2-1
2 2 Morello 2.00 1.1 2-1
5 5 Carol’s Comic 3.50 1.8 3-1
1 1 Sunset Storm 6.00 2.9 5-1
3 3 Smarty Nose 12.00 5.6 11-1
6 6 Melanie’s Tiger 12.00 5.6 11-1
4 4 James J. Braddock 15.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Baldoro 3.50 1 2-1
1 1 Cali Cat 4.00 1.4 3-1
7 7 City Exile (GB) 5.00 2.2 4-1
6 6 Lahaina Flavor 6.00 3 6-1
10 10 Call Me Cory 6.00 3 6-1
9 9 Rastaman Vibe 8.00 4.5 9-1
3 3 Catch the Breeze 10.00 6.1 12-1
8 8 Midnight Strike 12.00 7.7 14-1
5 5 Cruisin for Cali 15.00 10 19-1
4 4 Mythical Reel (IRE) 15.00 10 19-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Simply Joking 1.20 1 2-1
5 5 Nafisa 1.40 1.1 2-1
2 2 Lemon Muffin 3.50 1.9 3-1
3 3 Syntax 10.00 4.3 8-1
1 1 Catalina Cocktail 12.00 5 9-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 John Metcalfe 1.50 1 2-1
9 9 Flash of Lightning 3.00 1.6 3-1
13 13 Booked Clubhouse 4.00 2.1 4-1
3 3 Robin Olds 4.50 2.3 4-1
2 2 Positive Times 8.00 3.7 7-1
11 11 Doing Time 8.00 3.7 7-1
4 4 Throwthefirstpunch 10.00 4.6 9-1
12 12 Big Vengeance 15.00 6.7 13-1
10 10 Ottis Betts 15.00 6.7 13-1
8 8 Practical Blame 15.00 6.7 13-1
1 1 Its the Bandit 20.00 8.8 17-1
5 5 Take Another Swing 30.00 13 25-1
6 6 Farmer Tom 30.00 13 25-1

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.