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Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Saturday, May 16, 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
5 5 My Eyes On You 6.00 1 2-1
8 8 Monumental 4.00 1.6 3-1
3 3 Legal Heir 1.50 2.8 5-1
6 6 Tiz All That 12.00 2.8 5-1
7 7 Bucks Action 8.00 2.9 5-1
1 1 Bako Country 6.00 4.7 9-1
2 2 Don Rebelde 5.00 5 9-1
4 4 War Artist 30.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Ghazaaly 1.60 1 2-1
5 5 Whiskyginandbrandy 1.40 1.1 2-1
4 4 Clouseau 2.50 3.4 6-1
1 1 Bowtie Boys 8.00 3.5 7-1
2 2 Coolwind 15.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Special Flower 6.00 1 2-1
2 2 Blessed Angel 12.00 1.1 2-1
5 5 Invincible Molly (GB) 4.50 2.1 4-1
7 7 Shangrilama (IRE) 1.20 3.8 7-1
6 6 Oveta’s Hobby 6.00 5.4 10-1
1 1 Lady Rider 3.50 5.7 11-1
4 4 Headed for Om 20.00 7 13-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Ballyhooligan 1.50 1 2-1
1 1 Grandisimo 2.00 2.2 4-1
2 2 Irish Element 6.00 5.4 10-1
6 6 Naftis 12.00 5.5 10-1
5 5 Last Call Paul 6.00 5.8 11-1
4 4 Tee N Off 5.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 5 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Hothead 5.00 1 2-1
4 4 Jimmy Winkfield 6.00 1.1 2-1
7 7 Frank Bullitt 3.50 3.1 6-1
5 5 Miles Finch 6.00 3.2 6-1
1 1 Mio Bambino 8.00 4.5 8-1
6 6 Keep Dancin Nick 8.00 4.5 8-1
2 2 Geezer 30.00 4.7 9-1
8 8 Grazed 2.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 6 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Twisted Humor 2.00 1 2-1
3 3 Cammy’s Girl 3.00 1.4 3-1
2 2 Play for Me 6.00 4.1 8-1
7 7 Vronaway 6.00 4.9 9-1
5 5 Conquest Sue 3.50 5.1 10-1
8 8 Can You Dream 8.00 6.1 12-1
4 4 Palace Mischief 30.00 7 13-1
6 6 Little Originaire 30.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Baldoro 6.00 1 2-1
8 8 Packs a Wahlop 3.00 2.4 4-1
2 2 King of Clubs 8.00 4.7 9-1
6 6 City Exile (GB) 1.60 5.7 11-1
1 1 Re Armed Jon 10.00 6.2 12-1
4 4 El Rey Rey 15.00 7.6 14-1
5 5 Midnight Strike 8.00 7.7 15-1
3 3 Lahaina Flavor 8.00 8 15-1

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Tate Batz 1.00 1 2-1
4 4 Dame It Dani 4.00 2.3 4-1
6 6 Omemgee 6.00 3 6-1
5 5 Waiting for My Cue 10.00 3.1 6-1
8 8 Lively Girl 5.00 3.7 7-1
2 2 She’s Back 8.00 3.8 7-1
3 3 Susie’s Loaded 30.00 7 13-1
1 1 Backstage Drama 30.00 SCRATCH

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Queen Maxima 0.80 1 2-1
8 8 Spirited Boss 5.00 2.8 5-1
3 3 Amorita 6.00 7.3 14-1
2 2 Candy Bar 30.00 7.4 14-1
9 9 Certitude (FR) 6.00 7.5 14-1
7 7 Antifona (FR) 20.00 7.8 15-1
1 1 Marian Cross (GB) 15.00 8.1 15-1
4 4 Princesa Moche (PER) 10.00 8.4 16-1
5 5 Rosie Jeeks 30.00 9 17-1

RACE NUMBER 10 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 2 Judy Lynn Starr 20.00 1 2-1
8 8 All in the Game 3.00 1.6 3-1
4 4 Melba Montgomery 12.00 2.8 5-1
5 5 Unusual Craving 10.00 2.8 5-1
10 10 Tis Sunrise 2.00 2.9 6-1
7 7 Jacklyn Lucas 6.00 3 6-1
6 6 First Light 4.00 3.3 6-1
9 9 Big Miss 15.00 7.4 14-1
3 3 Genuine Grace 30.00 9 17-1
1 1 Little Gator 30.00 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.

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