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
1 1 El Bromista 10.00 1 2-1
7 7 Valiant Son 3.00 1.1 2-1
4 4 Gazon (GB) 1.80 2.6 5-1
6 6 Tribal 3.50 3.9 7-1
5 5 Spearfish 8.00 3.9 7-1
3 3 Belly Up 4.00 4.1 8-1
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
2 2 Mutt Dillin 3.00 1 2-1
4 4 Precision (GB) 1.20 3.5 7-1
1 1 B Grayson 2.00 4.1 8-1
5 5 Desert Kat 4.00 4.2 8-1
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
3 3 Seeking Attention 4.00 1 2-1
7 7 Jasmine 5.00 2.2 4-1
2 2 Goodies 4.50 2.6 5-1
1 1 Copper Luna 15.00 4.4 8-1
4 4 Awesome Olga 30.00 6.1 11-1
5 5 Confidentiality 2.50 6.3 12-1
6 6 High Society U 2.00 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
5 5 Perfect Life 3.50 1.1 2-1
3 3 Daddygaveittome 6.00 2.2 4-1
1 1 Tom’s Star 3.00 2.3 4-1
6 6 Big Soiree 20.00 2.9 5-1
4 4 Misty Dancer 6.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Humidity 3.00 1 2-1
1 1 Baby Needs Shoes 2.50 1.9 4-1
8 8 Tina’s Princess 30.00 2.7 5-1
6 6 Up for the Hunt 12.00 5 9-1
4 4 Midnight Cowgirl 1.50 5.4 10-1
2 2 Anti Slapp 20.00 6.7 13-1
7 7 Magic Carpet Ride 20.00 7 13-1
5 5 Latin Air 6.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Joyful Mischief 10.00 1 2-1
5 5 Christa McAuliffe 1.80 2 4-1
6 6 Very Smart 2.50 4.3 8-1
4 4 Zadra 4.00 4.7 9-1
1 1 Never in Doubt 4.50 5.6 11-1
2 2 Florence Joyner 5.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Stylishlyacclaimed 5.00 1 2-1
6 6 Dynodave 12.00 2.1 4-1
5 5 Speed of Elon 30.00 2.5 5-1
8 8 Sabertooth 1.80 2.9 5-1
2 2 Druidic 8.00 3 6-1
9 9 Highplainsdrifter 15.00 3.6 7-1
1 1 Jimmy Blue Jeans 2.50 3.9 7-1
7 7 Creative Om 10.00 5.6 11-1
4 4 Zagreus 12.00 SCRATCH

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
1 1 Voldemort 6.00 1.2 2-1
3 3 Berlin Wall 4.00 1.5 3-1
4 4 Cowboy Mike 8.00 1.7 3-1
2 2 Coach Cronin 2.50 2.6 5-1
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
6 6 Marjoram 10.00 1 2-1
2 2 Mo’ Em Down 2.50 1.8 3-1
5 5 Light Won Up 1.60 2.4 4-1
4 4 Revera 20.00 3.3 6-1
8 8 Dreaming of Alys 20.00 6.1 12-1
3 3 Surfin’ U. S. A. 30.00 6.2 12-1
10 10 Yours Sincerely (IRE) 20.00 6.8 13-1
7 7 Will Happen 12.00 6.8 13-1
9 9 Still Unwritten 12.00 7.4 14-1
1 1 Bella Lyra (GER) 4.50 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.