Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Friday, May 8, 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 Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Father Ted 1.20 1 2-1
2 2 Sir Davis 2.00 1.4 3-1
4 4 Pecos River 3.00 1.8 3-1
1 1 Moon 6.00 3.2 6-1
5 5 Agides 10.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Code Duello 1.00 1 2-1
1 1 Enterdadragon 2.50 1.9 4-1
2 2 Wizard of Westwood 3.00 2.1 4-1
4 4 Uncle Happy 6.00 3.9 7-1
3 3 Caribbean King 8.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Headstrong Ways 1.60 1 2-1
6 6 Aloha Dreamin 2.00 1.1 2-1
3 3 Neezer Dalton 3.50 1.6 3-1
7 7 Toulouse Detrac 4.50 2 4-1
4 4 Lena Lindgard 20.00 7 13-1
2 2 Tupelo 20.00 7 13-1
5 5 Princess Daddy 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Bear’s Board 1.60 1 2-1
3 3 Infinity Dream 2.50 1.2 2-1
6 6 Motet 3.50 1.3 3-1
1 1 Eighties 4.50 1.5 3-1
5 5 Anywaythewindblows (GB) 4.50 1.5 3-1
4 4 Mia Forza 30.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Buena Vida 2.00 1 2-1
2 2 Sentient Soon 2.50 1.2 2-1
7 7 Lahar 5.00 2.2 4-1
4 4 Endless Smoke 6.00 2.6 5-1
5 5 Shemakesmemad 6.00 2.6 5-1
1 1 Stay Bossy 8.00 3.3 6-1
8 8 Poki Loki 20.00 8 15-1
6 6 Stay My Girl 20.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Start the Ride 1.20 1 2-1
2 2 Uecker 2.00 1.4 3-1
3 3 Allequin Summer 4.00 2.3 4-1
4 4 Southern Melodee 4.50 2.5 5-1
1 1 Beeblebrox 10.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 7 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Bitter Truth 1.00 1 2-1
7 7 Gogotiz 2.00 1.2 2-1
5 5 Danzig Til Dawn 6.00 2.2 4-1
6 6 Southern Riff 12.00 3.7 7-1
8 8 Sky At Sunrise 12.00 3.7 7-1
2 2 Despite 15.00 4.4 8-1
1 1 Little Originaire 20.00 5.6 11-1
3 3 Kambree’s Flyer 30.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Jennys Wine Girl 1.00 1 2-1
8 8 Blame It On Abby 2.50 1.6 3-1
11 11 Baby Needs Shoes 4.00 2.1 4-1
5 5 Butterfly Beach 5.00 2.5 5-1
10 10 Up for the Hunt 8.00 3.7 7-1
6 6 Isle of Angels 8.00 3.7 7-1
2 2 Chef Kate 10.00 4.4 8-1
12 12 Magic Carpet Ride 12.00 5.2 10-1
1 1 Amor Secreto 20.00 8.2 16-1
4 4 Thriving Autism 20.00 8.2 16-1
9 9 Tina’s Princess 30.00 12 23-1
3 3 Atina Liz 30.00 12 23-1

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.