DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Friday, December 30, 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.
11:55 LRL 2nd PUDGE BOY PALACE (#1, 3-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Dan Illman). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
12:10 GP 1st ANDIE ONE (#3, 5-1) a bit of a disappointment albeit while over-matched last time now drops in company once again and may hold class edge here on her best. – Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
12:56 LRL 4thTaking a shot with RICCIO (#3, 8-1). Although the colt didn't run a step after a poor start in the James F. Lewis. Outrun by the promising Recruiter at a distance that might have been sharp, he stretches out a furlong in his first start for owner-trainer combination that scored off the trainer switch with Shemademelucky at Penn National on Dec. 27. Earned competitive Beyers two and three back when finding trouble at Delaware. Bumped in between exiting the backstretch in the First State Dash, he was outpaced to last before re-rallying for fourth. Steadied entering the turn of the Rocky Run, he was forced widest and got third behind the two favorites. He's still a bit green and often runs in spots. – Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:50 LRL 8th Five of JAXSON TRAVELER’s (#6, 3-1) six wins came on this circuit, and he returns to Maryland after a pacesetting try in Aqueduct's Fall Highweight. Sat a pretty good trip outside of a 31-1 shot, took over the lead into the stretch, and got a bit leg-weary in the final sixteenth. His tactical speed plays well in this spot as he can sit outside the speeds with potential first run on them turning for home. – Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:19 LRL 9th OUT OF SORTS (#3, 6-1) a perfect 3 for 3 on wet, and worked out a nice trip close to a moderate pace when walloping them over a sloppy track in the Claiming Crown. Multiple stakes-placed on fast dirt, but spent the majority of her career on turf. Perhaps the main track is what she wanted all along. Barn went 14 for 33 (42%, $4.21 ROI) between Oct. 31 and Dec. 19. Lopez lands here instead of Ninetypercentbrynn. – Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:22 OP 5th DERBY CODE (#2, 8-1) was fifth against some quality rivals last out in the starter ranks at Keeneland. He's back at Oaklawn, where he is a multiple winner. – Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:08 AQU 8th RAFFINITY (#1A, 9-2) is a DRF Best Bet (Michael Hammersly). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:10 GP 9th PERFECT CUT (#3, 4-1) is taking big class drop for seasonal finale, worked well since returning locally from west coast. Perhaps back to winning track with these. – Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
5:14 OP 9th SWEET HOLINESS (#5, 6-1) was second against open company for a similar price last out and now returns to the Arkansas-bred ranks with the meet on at Oaklawn. – Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
6:32 SA 8th CANDY FOR CARMEL (#5, 5-1) drops to the bottom level for the first time, and is fast enough to win if he reproduces either his maiden-40 win two back or his most-recent route over the SA track. That was a runner-up finish in a maiden-50 in spring. – Brad Free | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets