Santa Anita Horse Racing Picks for Sunday, May 31, 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
1 1 Shadow Nation (IRE) 1.80 1 2-1
5 5 Tuddy 10.00 2.2 4-1
2 2 Nylie 2.50 2.2 4-1
4 4 Repo 2.00 3.1 6-1
3 3 Simple Majority 6.00 4.8 9-1
6 6 The Moe Show 15.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 2 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Just Deal 1.60 1 2-1
3 3 Next Trick 1.80 1.1 2-1
6 6 Macho Man 6.00 3.7 7-1
2 2 Meeking 5.00 3.8 7-1
4 4 Fincairn 30.00 4.4 8-1
5 5 He’s a Gangster 4.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
1 1 Motet 1.80 1 2-1
5 5 Angelica Bay (IRE) 2.50 4.5 9-1
3 3 Newport Dreamz 3.00 4.5 9-1
4 4 Lady of Power 2.00 4.9 9-1
2 2 Sparkle Sweetly 20.00 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 4 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Lying Zero 2.50 1 2-1
3 3 Jolene Fury 2.00 2.9 6-1
1 1 Lipstick Lies 5.00 SCRATCH
6 6 Stay My Girl 10.00 5.3 10-1
5 5 Icecream Ontheside 3.00 5.8 11-1
7 7 Estrella Esmeral 20.00 6.3 12-1
4 4 She’s My Star 20.00 6.5 12-1
2 2 Ride Like the Wolf 15.00 8 15-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
7 7 French Moonlight 2.50 1 2-1
6 6 Fibonaccis Ride 12.00 1.3 2-1
2 2 Jennys Wine Girl 1.80 3.7 7-1
5 5 Vicky Lyn 10.00 3.7 7-1
3 3 Quantum Innergy 4.00 3.9 7-1
4 4 Hello Kid O Kid O 6.00 5 9-1
1 1 Apple Pie 8.00 7 13-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Maddog 20.00 1 2-1
1 1 Dainey 2.00 3.2 6-1
2 2 Moona Lisa 1.00 5 9-1
5 5 Saucier 3.50 5.4 10-1
3 3 Harmonique 12.00 5.6 11-1
4 4 Sugar Lovin 10.00 6 11-1

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

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Miso Phansy 2.00 1 2-1
2 2 Mperfection 30.00 4.7 9-1
4 4 Wild West Coast 3.00 5.3 10-1
3 3 Pavel’s Etoile 5.00 5.3 10-1
6 6 We the Hobby 4.50 5.7 11-1
1 1 Suntory Time 8.00 6 11-1
7 7 Petite Treat 4.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 8 (Triple Bend S.) – Triple Bend S.

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Stronghold 1.00 1 2-1
4 4 Simple Song 5.00 1.7 3-1
2 2 Bartholdy 4.50 3.3 6-1
1 1 The Last Straw 12.00 4.6 9-1
3 3 The Goat (CHI) 1.80 5 9-1

RACE NUMBER 9 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
8 8 Mr American Pie 8.00 1 2-1
10 10 Maximon 1.20 1.3 2-1
3 3 H Q Wilson 6.00 3.6 7-1
1 1 Sigma Boy 15.00 5 9-1
2 2 Running Spartan 6.00 5 10-1
7 7 My Box of Light 30.00 5.3 10-1
5 5 Missile Cruiser 20.00 5.4 10-1
9 9 Hoosick Falls 15.00 5.6 11-1
6 6 War Artist 30.00 6.4 12-1
4 4 Gandalf 4.00 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.