Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Friday, May 1, 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
5 5 Tequilaandtherapy 1.20 1 2-1
3 3 Crossanna 2.00 1.3 2-1
4 4 Sakura Flavor (IRE) 2.50 1.4 3-1
2 2 Giggle Giggle 15.00 5.4 10-1
7 7 Tom’s Star 20.00 7 13-1
1 1 Lady Lithesome 20.00 7 13-1
6 6 How About Pavel 20.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Scary Fast Ride 2.00 1 2-1
5 5 No Cap 2.50 1.3 3-1
3 3 A. Z. Wildcat 2.50 1.3 3-1
4 4 Crazy Cami 3.00 1.7 3-1
2 2 Little Hidden Port (ARG) 8.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Running Spartan 2.00 1 2-1
3 3 Maximon 3.00 1.4 3-1
8 8 Gandalf 3.50 1.6 3-1
1 1 Chapter One 5.00 2.3 4-1
4 4 Sun Chaser 10.00 4.4 8-1
11 11 Sterling Sea 10.00 4.4 8-1
10 10 Bucks Action 15.00 6.6 12-1
6 6 Ima Track Star 20.00 8.7 16-1
7 7 Rich Night 20.00 8.7 16-1
13 13 My Box of Light 30.00 13 25-1
12 12 Bull Tiz 30.00 13 25-1
9 9 King of Success 30.00 13 25-1
5 5 Texas Wildcat 30.00 13 25-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Jonny’s Cap 1.20 1 2-1
7 7 Keepsmesane 3.50 1.6 3-1
8 8 Saluto 4.50 1.8 3-1
2 2 King Kameha 5.00 1.9 4-1
6 6 Fumano’s Fire 5.00 1.9 4-1
4 4 Smokem Wicked 30.00 8 15-1
1 1 Smoke Rider 30.00 8 15-1
5 5 Cupid Cowboy 30.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Redial 2.00 1 2-1
6 6 Hondo Crouch 3.00 1.5 3-1
7 7 Silver I Am 3.00 1.5 3-1
4 4 Soi Ngern 5.00 2.4 4-1
5 5 Millbo Baggins 8.00 3.8 7-1
3 3 B Grayson 8.00 3.8 7-1
1 1 Hornsby 15.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Centrodelantero 1.80 1 2-1
8 8 Namaron (GER) 4.00 1.9 4-1
6 6 Watsonville 4.50 2.1 4-1
12 12 Balladeer 6.00 2.6 5-1
11 11 Twirling Point 6.00 2.6 5-1
2 2 Charlie’s to Blame 6.00 2.6 5-1
10 10 American Hope 8.00 3.4 6-1
5 5 Tempus Volat 10.00 4.2 8-1
3 3 Henry Adams (IRE) 15.00 6.2 12-1
1 1 Grogu 20.00 8.1 15-1
9 9 Phosphorescence (FR) 20.00 8.1 15-1
7 7 Crazy Cavalier 30.00 12 23-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Leyas Candy 1.40 1 2-1
5 5 Mischiefs Causeway 3.50 1.7 3-1
1 1 Jeweled Shillelagh 5.00 2.1 4-1
10 10 Tiz’s Harbor 6.00 2.5 5-1
6 6 Mother’s Prayer 8.00 3.1 6-1
3 3 Sunset Storm 12.00 4.3 8-1
2 2 Upstart Yankee 20.00 6.9 13-1
8 8 Northern Quest 30.00 10 19-1
9 9 Chief Jackson 30.00 10 19-1
7 7 Smiling Jojo 30.00 10 19-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Starter Optional Claiming) – Starter Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Doncic 1.60 1 2-1
7 7 Hacking It Up 4.00 2 4-1
3 3 Its a Cinch 4.50 2.2 4-1
1 1 Mubtadaa 5.00 2.4 5-1
13 13 Central Dispatch 6.00 2.9 5-1
12 12 Enterdadragon 8.00 3.7 7-1
11 11 Caribbean King 10.00 4.6 9-1
8 8 The Old Nine (IRE) 10.00 4.6 9-1
9 9 Special Club 12.00 5.4 10-1
4 4 Dakota Country 15.00 6.7 13-1
10 10 Cathal (IRE) 20.00 8.8 17-1
2 2 Shortman 30.00 13 25-1
6 6 Commander (FR) 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.