DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Friday, March 19, 2021
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.
1:45 TAM 4th DRAKESBORO WILDCAT (#4, 3-1) finished off the board in his first start off the layoff but that was a very good effort, as he dueled through fast early splits and held on well until the late stages; will need to relax more in his 2nd start with blinkers but he could be able to shake loose this time around, and that type of trip will make all the difference. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:00 OP 1st LADY LUTE (#8, 6-1) makes her first start of the year and note she is one who ran a big race in her career debut, putting up her best Beyer Figure. -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:15 TAM 5th ASTERS D’ORO (#4, 9-2) clearly ran a much improved race in her turf debut last time out, prompting a quick pace before making the lead with a mid-race run and yielding to the closers only late; that effort certainly suggests that this is her best game, and if she can take a step forward off tat solid try she figures tough against this seemingly average lineup. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:37 GP 4th PALADIO (#1, 4-1) with four wins on the resume’, far and away the best of this bunch, with Beyers continuing to head in right direction at this time. Should get enough pace to run down at his best. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:44 TAM 6th HELL OF THE NORTH (#5, 7-2) is working well toward her first start since September, and given her early speed she should be able to work out a good trip here regardless of the pace scenario, which is tough to plot; she was no threat to the winner when 2nd last time but that runner, Star of the North, returned to win a pair of restricted stakes at Sam Houston. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:50 AQU 4th ROSE E HOLIDAY (#6, 9-2) debuted going this distance last month and was only second-best to class-dropping Suspended Campaign while racing away from the strong rail; blinkers on for her second start and lands in a suspect field. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:56 LRL 5th ROCKINHIPPIECHICK (#1, 9-2) tracked a quick pace inside, appeared to be traveling sweetly when advancing three deep on the turn, then was no match for the winner while appearing to lug in a bit in the stretch. Think she’ll appreciate the slight cutback in distance and can sit a tactical trip from close to the pace. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:26 LRL 6th DAYSTRIKE (#5, 6-1) is only 1 for 29 over Laurel dirt, but stretches out with some tactical speed and might wind up on the lead by default. Ended up on the deeper inside footing for most of the way last time out and think his current form is a bit better than it looks on paper. Note he was listed as a vet scratch on March 6. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:52 AQU 6th EDGE OF FIRE (#1, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:30 LRL 8th Curious to see what we get from HIPNOTIZADA (#6, 5-1) in first start following 222- day layoff. Looked good winning second lifetime start at two when adding Lasix and picks up the anti-bleeding medication once again after chasing a quick pace and a good field at Ellis Park over the summer (the winner of that race returned to finish second in the Grade 3 Pocahontas with a 78 Beyer before placing second in the Grade 1 Alcibiades with a 79). Working swiftly over deep Gulfstream West surface. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:48 GP 8th Siding against Assume Control who had things all her own way when beating this same bunch last time. SHE TAKES HEART (#5, 6-1) rallied mildly coming off extended layoff exiting the aforementioned race, could be ready for improved effort with that one under her belt. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
5:09 OP 7th FIRST RATE (#10, 6-1) was third last out to a dominant winner who was to run back earlier on the Friday card at Oaklawn. -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
6:10 OP 9th NAVY SEAL (#8, 10-1) moves into the Arkansas-bred ranks and is appealing as a half-brother to Weast Hill, a top Arkansas-bred runner who has won three stakes and earned $494K. -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
7:53 SA 8th CIRCLEOFCHAMPIONS (#5, 4-1) ran super last out at a mile and one-eighth. He set a fast pace, opened up by five lengths, and held second. The improving colt cuts back to a mile and can win if he rations his speed and copes with sprinter STANDING O. -Brad Free | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets