DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Friday, December 23, 2022
Daily Racing Form has served as the most trusted source of news and information about the sport since 1894, and moving forward we have decided to provide a free daily playbook – something that both hardcore horseplayers and casual observers can reference to get informed of each day’s action.
12:10 GP 1st RANSEUR (#9, 4-1) finished a game second behind an Asmussen trainee when trying to get on grass in Indiana. Toss last when over-matched in key race at CD. Gives impression turf might be his favored surface from the looks of recent a.m. trials. – Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race
12:55 TAM 2nd YEGUITA QUEEN (#1, 4-1) ran evenly in her most recent so perhaps now is a good time to try two turns. This filly should like routing and this barn is 18% going sprint to route. This filly exits a key race where 3 of 8 returned to win with figs of 64, 64, and 59 (another returned to finish 2nd with a 58 Beyer speed figure). Batista gets a leg up and is 42% for this barn. – Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race
2:06 GP 5th LOVE HER LOTS (#7, 4-1) among the many logical contenders in another race where trip may tell the tale. Lost all chance when knocked around at the break against better last time and returning to what may actually be her preferred surface having been stakes placed over this course earlier in the season. – Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race
2:25 TAM 5th THUNDER BUGGY seems capable on any surface. She has tactical speed to help the trip and drops in class. Works are fine and this horse often runs well when fresh. We think this filly will be content to stalk but we wouldn’t be shocked if connections wanted the front end either. – Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race
3:25 TAM 7th DEFEND YOURSELF (#9, 10-1) is by a 7% debut sire. His dam was un-raced and this is her first foal. This barn is 23% with debut maidens and 25% with debut maiden claimers. Works are well spaced. This is a good spot for a first time starter. – Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race
4:04 GP 9th A very familiar and unpredictable bunch in finale, seven of whom came out of same race on 12/2. RIA FORMOSA (#6, 6-1) favored that day but did not get the cleanest of runs following slow start and wide trip now stays put off the claim and could return quick dividends with cleaner sailing. – Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race