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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
3 3 Legal Heir 1.50 1 2-1
8 8 Monumental 4.00 1.6 3-1
2 2 Don Rebelde 5.00 1.9 4-1
1 1 Bako Country 6.00 2.1 4-1
5 5 My Eyes On You 6.00 2.1 4-1
7 7 Bucks Action 8.00 2.6 5-1
6 6 Tiz All That 12.00 3.6 7-1
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
5 5 Whiskyginandbrandy 1.40 1 2-1
3 3 Ghazaaly 1.60 1.1 2-1
4 4 Clouseau 2.50 1.3 2-1
1 1 Bowtie Boys 8.00 2.9 6-1
2 2 Coolwind 15.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 Shangrilama (IRE) 1.20 1 2-1
1 1 Lady Rider 3.50 1.7 3-1
5 5 Invincible Molly (GB) 4.50 2.1 4-1
3 3 Special Flower 6.00 2.5 5-1
6 6 Oveta’s Hobby 6.00 2.5 5-1
2 2 Blessed Angel 12.00 4.5 8-1
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 1.2 2-1
4 4 Tee N Off 5.00 2.7 5-1
5 5 Last Call Paul 6.00 3.1 6-1
2 2 Irish Element 6.00 3.1 6-1
6 6 Naftis 12.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Grazed 2.00 1 2-1
7 7 Frank Bullitt 3.50 1.4 3-1
3 3 Hothead 5.00 1.8 3-1
5 5 Miles Finch 6.00 2 4-1
4 4 Jimmy Winkfield 6.00 2 4-1
1 1 Mio Bambino 8.00 2.5 5-1
6 6 Keep Dancin Nick 8.00 2.5 5-1
2 2 Geezer 30.00 8 15-1

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 1.3 2-1
5 5 Conquest Sue 3.50 1.4 3-1
7 7 Vronaway 6.00 2 4-1
2 2 Play for Me 6.00 2 4-1
8 8 Can You Dream 8.00 2.5 5-1
4 4 Palace Mischief 30.00 8 15-1
6 6 Little Originaire 30.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 City Exile (GB) 1.60 1 2-1
8 8 Packs a Wahlop 3.00 1.7 3-1
7 7 Baldoro 6.00 3.3 6-1
3 3 Lahaina Flavor 8.00 4.3 8-1
5 5 Midnight Strike 8.00 4.3 8-1
2 2 King of Clubs 8.00 4.3 8-1
1 1 Re Armed Jon 10.00 5.4 10-1
4 4 El Rey Rey 15.00 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 1.7 3-1
8 8 Lively Girl 5.00 2 4-1
6 6 Omemgee 6.00 2.2 4-1
2 2 She’s Back 8.00 2.7 5-1
5 5 Waiting for My Cue 10.00 3.2 6-1
1 1 Backstage Drama 30.00 8 15-1
3 3 Susie’s Loaded 30.00 8 15-1

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 2.2 4-1
3 3 Amorita 6.00 2.4 5-1
9 9 Certitude (FR) 6.00 2.4 5-1
4 4 Princesa Moche (PER) 10.00 3.5 7-1
1 1 Marian Cross (GB) 15.00 4.9 9-1
7 7 Antifona (FR) 20.00 6.3 12-1
2 2 Candy Bar 30.00 9 17-1
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
10 10 Tis Sunrise 2.00 1 2-1
8 8 All in the Game 3.00 1.3 2-1
6 6 First Light 4.00 1.6 3-1
7 7 Jacklyn Lucas 6.00 2.3 4-1
5 5 Unusual Craving 10.00 3.6 7-1
4 4 Melba Montgomery 12.00 4.2 8-1
9 9 Big Miss 15.00 5.2 10-1
2 2 Judy Lynn Starr 20.00 6.8 13-1
3 3 Genuine Grace 30.00 10 19-1
1 1 Little Gator 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.

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