Site icon Sports from the Basement

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
4 4 Sakura Flavor (IRE) 2.50 3.1 6-1
6 6 How About Pavel 20.00 4.4 8-1
2 2 Giggle Giggle 15.00 4.6 9-1
3 3 Crossanna 2.00 5.1 10-1
7 7 Tom’s Star 20.00 6.4 12-1
1 1 Lady Lithesome 20.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 No Cap 2.50 1 2-1
1 1 Scary Fast Ride 2.00 1.7 3-1
3 3 A. Z. Wildcat 2.50 2.2 4-1
4 4 Crazy Cami 3.00 2.7 5-1
2 2 Little Hidden Port (ARG) 8.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Sun Chaser 10.00 1 2-1
1 1 Chapter One 5.00 1.3 3-1
2 2 Running Spartan 2.00 1.4 3-1
3 3 Maximon 3.00 4.2 8-1
10 10 Bucks Action 15.00 6.2 12-1
11 11 Sterling Sea 10.00 6.2 12-1
8 8 Gandalf 3.50 6.8 13-1
7 7 Rich Night 20.00 7.1 13-1
9 9 King of Success 30.00 7.2 14-1
12 12 Bull Tiz 30.00 10.4 20-1
13 13 My Box of Light 30.00 SCRATCH
6 6 Ima Track Star 20.00 SCRATCH
5 5 Texas Wildcat 30.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 King Kameha 5.00 1 2-1
6 6 Fumano’s Fire 5.00 1.4 3-1
8 8 Saluto 4.50 1.6 3-1
5 5 Cupid Cowboy 30.00 2.2 4-1
3 3 Jonny’s Cap 1.20 2.3 4-1
1 1 Smoke Rider 30.00 3 6-1
4 4 Smokem Wicked 30.00 4.1 8-1
7 7 Keepsmesane 3.50 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Silver I Am 3.00 1 2-1
3 3 B Grayson 8.00 3 6-1
5 5 Millbo Baggins 8.00 4.1 8-1
6 6 Hondo Crouch 3.00 5 9-1
4 4 Soi Ngern 5.00 6.5 12-1
1 1 Hornsby 15.00 6.8 13-1
2 2 Redial 2.00 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
3 3 Henry Adams (IRE) 15.00 1.7 3-1
2 2 Charlie’s to Blame 6.00 1.8 3-1
10 10 American Hope 8.00 2.2 4-1
9 9 Phosphorescence (FR) 20.00 2.3 4-1
7 7 Crazy Cavalier 30.00 2.7 5-1
6 6 Watsonville 4.50 3.1 6-1
5 5 Tempus Volat 10.00 3.3 6-1
8 8 Namaron (GER) 4.00 4 7-1
1 1 Grogu 20.00 6.6 12-1
12 12 Balladeer 6.00 SCRATCH
11 11 Twirling Point 6.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 7 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Jeweled Shillelagh 5.00 1 2-1
4 4 Leyas Candy 1.40 2.4 4-1
6 6 Mother’s Prayer 8.00 3 6-1
8 8 Northern Quest 30.00 3.6 7-1
3 3 Sunset Storm 12.00 4.6 9-1
2 2 Upstart Yankee 20.00 5.1 10-1
9 9 Chief Jackson 30.00 6.1 12-1
5 5 Mischiefs Causeway 3.50 6.7 13-1
7 7 Smiling Jojo 30.00 SCRATCH
10 10 Tiz’s Harbor 6.00 SCRATCH

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 3.8 7-1
1 1 Mubtadaa 5.00 5 10-1
3 3 Its a Cinch 4.50 5.6 11-1
10 10 Cathal (IRE) 20.00 6.3 12-1
8 8 The Old Nine (IRE) 10.00 6.4 12-1
9 9 Special Club 12.00 6.6 12-1
6 6 Commander (FR) 30.00 7 13-1
4 4 Dakota Country 15.00 7.1 13-1
2 2 Shortman 30.00 9.1 17-1
13 13 Central Dispatch 6.00 SCRATCH
11 11 Caribbean King 10.00 SCRATCH
12 12 Enterdadragon 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.

Exit mobile version