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 1.8 3-1
5 5 Agides 10.00 2.8 5-1
4 4 Pecos River 3.00 3 6-1
1 1 Moon 6.00 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
4 4 Uncle Happy 6.00 3.6 7-1
2 2 Wizard of Westwood 3.00 4.4 8-1
3 3 Caribbean King 8.00 4.5 8-1
1 1 Enterdadragon 2.50 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Aloha Dreamin 2.00 1 2-1
2 2 Tupelo 20.00 1.4 3-1
1 1 Headstrong Ways 1.60 1.9 4-1
5 5 Princess Daddy 20.00 2.6 5-1
4 4 Lena Lindgard 20.00 SCRATCH
7 7 Toulouse Detrac 4.50 4.8 9-1
3 3 Neezer Dalton 3.50 SCRATCH

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
1 1 Eighties 4.50 1.1 2-1
3 3 Infinity Dream 2.50 2.6 5-1
6 6 Motet 3.50 3.1 6-1
4 4 Mia Forza 30.00 3.5 7-1
5 5 Anywaythewindblows (GB) 4.50 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Lahar 5.00 1 2-1
4 4 Endless Smoke 6.00 1.5 3-1
3 3 Buena Vida 2.00 2.7 5-1
2 2 Sentient Soon 2.50 3.5 7-1
8 8 Poki Loki 20.00 3.8 7-1
6 6 Stay My Girl 20.00 4 8-1
1 1 Stay Bossy 8.00 4.5 9-1
5 5 Shemakesmemad 6.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Allequin Summer 4.00 1 2-1
4 4 Southern Melodee 4.50 2 4-1
2 2 Uecker 2.00 2.4 5-1
5 5 Start the Ride 1.20 3.9 7-1
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
7 7 Gogotiz 2.00 1 2-1
4 4 Bitter Truth 1.00 1.9 4-1
5 5 Danzig Til Dawn 6.00 2.8 5-1
6 6 Southern Riff 12.00 3 6-1
8 8 Sky At Sunrise 12.00 4 7-1
2 2 Despite 15.00 4.4 8-1
1 1 Little Originaire 20.00 SCRATCH
3 3 Kambree’s Flyer 30.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Blame It On Abby 2.50 1 2-1
5 5 Butterfly Beach 5.00 1.6 3-1
7 7 Jennys Wine Girl 1.00 2.2 4-1
1 1 Amor Secreto 20.00 4.9 9-1
6 6 Isle of Angels 8.00 5.3 10-1
3 3 Atina Liz 30.00 6.1 12-1
2 2 Chef Kate 10.00 6.2 12-1
4 4 Thriving Autism 20.00 10 19-1
11 11 Baby Needs Shoes 4.00 SCRATCH
9 9 Tina’s Princess 30.00 SCRATCH
10 10 Up for the Hunt 8.00 SCRATCH
12 12 Magic Carpet Ride 12.00 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.