DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Friday, January 6, 2023

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.

12:32 TAM 1^st TRUE ATKA (#2, 5-1) may be able to make the lead in this seemingly paceless opener; off the board in her return from a short break but could be in line for a step forward with that race under her belt, especially if she can shake loose in the opening stages. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race

12:55 LRL 2^nd FREE SQUARE (#2, 9-2) was reclaimed by Lacey Gaudet after a game sprint victory. Rushed up outside to prompt the 19-10 runner-up, was placed on a hard chase, then gamely kept trying in the stretch to get up in the final yards. Graduated going sprint to route for this barn last winter and should get close to the lead. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race

1:02 TAM 2^nd TAPSOLUTE (#3, 10-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Kenny Peck). | Get PPs for this race

1:10 GP 3^rd SHE'S STORMY (#7, 5-1) has had her starts well-spaced but did show promise against 3/5 Bubble Rock(now a 3 time Sw) debuting at 2 over Spa turf and training like a filly ready for big effort off the bench. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race

1:41 GP 4^th ALICE HARPER (#1, 4-1) drops in with condition claimers for the first time off even effort vs. much quicker in Tapeta bow. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race

1:47 AQU 4^th MAMA BANNED ME (#2, 12-1) went long on turf in his debut and put in a late run at a big price after getting outpaced early; showed some potential there and might have been prepping for the move to dirt, as he has much more of a main track pedigree, though we never got a chance to find out as he lost his rider at the break last time. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

2:45 AQU 6^th ZUCCARACE (#4, 6-1) rated early after breaking from the far outside, then steadily progressed in a useful run in debut for this tag; can improve quickly with Lasix on for a trainer who brings them along through racing. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

3:04 TAM 6^th KING CAIRO (#4, 6-1) has been training very well toward his Tampa debut and he may find the locals more his speed; has speed but can also rate and make one run, and given the presence of several runners with early zip that versatility should come in handy for him. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race

3:12 GP 7^th BOTITA (#4, 6-1) and SUGAR SIN a couple of intriguing new faces debuting for modest tag and might be worth a look see at first asking. Former out of $229K earner and stakes winner Nesso and kin to a pair of winning sibs who seems to be training forwardly enough for a barn off to torrid start this meet. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race

3:16 AQU 7^th ADVANCED STRATEGY (#5, 6-1) returned to dirt last time but found the cut back to six furlongs a bit too steep while rallying late for third in a fast race; capable on dirt and gets the added ground he needs here. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

3:34 TAM 7^th SMART AS ME (#4, 8-1) was a prompt winner in his first start around two turns, drawing off despite a slow start and a wide move on the turn, and though this is his turf debut he's kin to a couple of grass winners, including Dreams Are Made, who won her own turf debut; worth a shot at what should be a square price vs. likely favorite VAN DUSEN. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race

4:11 GP 9^th DARKDESERTHIGHWAY (#5, 6-1) a new face to the category and one expected to improve off debut run when showing speed on grass with much better. Addition of blinkers could also prove a plus. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race

4:21 LRL 9^th ICE CUBE BABY (#2, 10-1) broke slow for the second straight race, was outrun behind quick fractions along the rail, split rivals on the turn, dropped back, and trudged along in a one-paced fashion. Might not have cared for the sloppy track and can get closer to the pace with a better start. Barbosa departs for Miss Fussy Pants. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race

5:22 OP 9^th KAVOD (#4, 4-1) is one of six stakes winners in this featured allowance Friday at Oaklawn. He accounted for the Advent last meet at Oaklawn and in more recent times was second to Breeders' Cup Sprint alum Flash of Mischief in the Ring the Bell at Oaklawn. He caught a wet track that afternoon and might be better served if the strip is fast as his four career wins have come over such "footing." -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race

5:49 GG 7^th RUNNING LUCK (#4, 8-1) has won two of her last four starts and fits this conditional $4,000 claimer well. The 5-year-old mare cannot be criticized for finishing sixth in her last start in a conditional $12,500 claimer on Dec. 4 at 25-1 when she racing against tougher rivals. In most scenarios, she can be handy for jockey Alejandro Gomez and should have a pace to follow from Fantastic Secret. -Steve Andersen | Get PPs for this race

6:05 SA 7^th DEL MAR DRAMA (#5, 6-1) ran well in her comeback at Del Mar, she likes the SA main, and has back figures that are fast enough. She drops in for a $32k tag, which is reasonable, and can post a minor upset second start back. -Brad Free | Get PPs for this race

6:36 SA 8^th First start since an okay fourth-place debut in June, HENRY Q (#6, 6-1) returns with sharp workouts in a maiden race with conditions made to order. This race is open for $50k-$62.5k claiming, or "sold at auction for $150k or less." -Brad Free | Get PPs for this race