Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Saturday, May 9, 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 Gazon (GB) 1.80 1 2-1
7 7 Valiant Son 3.00 1.3 2-1
6 6 Tribal 3.50 1.4 3-1
3 3 Belly Up 4.00 1.5 3-1
5 5 Spearfish 8.00 2.3 4-1
1 1 El Bromista 10.00 2.7 5-1
2 2 Fuego Del Sol 30.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Precision (GB) 1.20 1 2-1
1 1 B Grayson 2.00 1.2 2-1
2 2 Mutt Dillin 3.00 1.4 3-1
5 5 Desert Kat 4.00 1.6 3-1
3 3 Tiger Strength 20.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 High Society U 2.00 1 2-1
5 5 Confidentiality 2.50 1.1 2-1
3 3 Seeking Attention 4.00 1.4 3-1
2 2 Goodies 4.50 1.5 3-1
7 7 Jasmine 5.00 1.6 3-1
1 1 Copper Luna 15.00 3.8 7-1
4 4 Awesome Olga 30.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Lil’s Coffee 1.20 1 2-1
1 1 Tom’s Star 3.00 1.5 3-1
5 5 Perfect Life 3.50 1.6 3-1
4 4 Misty Dancer 6.00 2.3 4-1
3 3 Daddygaveittome 6.00 2.3 4-1
6 6 Big Soiree 20.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
4 4 Midnight Cowgirl 1.50 1 2-1
1 1 Baby Needs Shoes 2.50 1.3 2-1
3 3 Humidity 3.00 1.4 3-1
5 5 Latin Air 6.00 2.1 4-1
6 6 Up for the Hunt 12.00 3.6 7-1
2 2 Anti Slapp 20.00 5.5 10-1
7 7 Magic Carpet Ride 20.00 5.5 10-1
8 8 Tina’s Princess 30.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 6 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Christa McAuliffe 1.80 1 2-1
6 6 Very Smart 2.50 1.4 3-1
4 4 Zadra 4.00 2.3 4-1
1 1 Never in Doubt 4.50 2.7 5-1
2 2 Florence Joyner 5.00 3 6-1
3 3 Joyful Mischief 10.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Sabertooth 1.80 1 2-1
1 1 Jimmy Blue Jeans 2.50 1.2 2-1
3 3 Stylishlyacclaimed 5.00 1.9 4-1
2 2 Druidic 8.00 2.8 5-1
7 7 Creative Om 10.00 3.3 6-1
4 4 Zagreus 12.00 3.9 7-1
6 6 Dynodave 12.00 3.9 7-1
9 9 Highplainsdrifter 15.00 4.7 9-1
5 5 Speed of Elon 30.00 9 17-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Magnify 1.00 1 2-1
2 2 Coach Cronin 2.50 1.3 2-1
3 3 Berlin Wall 4.00 1.5 3-1
1 1 Voldemort 6.00 1.9 4-1
4 4 Cowboy Mike 8.00 2.2 4-1
5 5 Runaway Charlie 30.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Senorita S.) – Senorita S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Light Won Up 1.60 1 2-1
2 2 Mo’ Em Down 2.50 1.3 2-1
1 1 Bella Lyra (GER) 4.50 1.9 4-1
6 6 Marjoram 10.00 3.7 7-1
9 9 Still Unwritten 12.00 4.3 8-1
7 7 Will Happen 12.00 4.3 8-1
8 8 Dreaming of Alys 20.00 6.8 13-1
4 4 Revera 20.00 6.8 13-1
10 10 Yours Sincerely (IRE) 20.00 6.8 13-1
3 3 Surfin’ U. S. A. 30.00 10 19-1

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.