DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Friday, May 1, 2020
With most other North American sports being shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, we hope the sport of horse racing can entertain you during these trying times. 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.
12:52 TAM 2nd EARTHA (#4, 6-1) was unable to keep up in a shorter sprint in her latest but back at seven furlongs she figures to be prominent from the start, and in a race lacking pace that's no small edge; note the forward trip at this distance two back, and while she faded there she also didn't have the luxury of a loose lead. -Kenny Peck
1:23 TAM 3rd CHANNELEDSLONGSHOT (#4, 20-1) adds blinkers for his first start since September, and this Gulfstream shipper may find the local claimers more his speed, as he was well back on the wire in his first try against winners when in against better when last seen; works hint at fitness, and he should be a square price. -Kenny Peck
1:35 GP 2nd EXCHANGE DAY (#7, 9-2) has had four works prepping for debut including best yet from the gate when showing off some speed last week. Might be worth a look at a likely price with Ward's LUCKY AS A SEVEN looming the heavily bet favorite in his bow. -Mike Welsch
1:52 TAM 4th GRAYCLIFF (#1, 8-1) didn't break well in that last try and that cost her position, which ultimately cost her her best chance; worked sharply in the interim and is now confidently risen in class by trainer Maria Bowersock. -Kenny Peck
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2:05 OP 1st C P QUALITY (#6, 4-1) is a consistent sort who has been a popular claim among horsemen. He also exits a race that went in good time. -Mary Rampellini
2:24 TAM 5th CITY GUY (#10, 9-2) adds blinkers for trainer Dale Bennett and that has been a very strong angle for the barn, not only in the short term but also long term, as Bennett has eight wins from 22 horses (36%) making that equipment change over the past five years; that alone makes this gelding a threat but he also did post a representative Beyer in his most recent effort on the grass, at Saratoga. -Kenny Peck
2:35 OP 2nd SO ALIVE (#1, 3-1) was fourth last out to By My Standards, who returned in his next start to capture the Grade 2 New Orleans Classic. -Mary Rampellini
2:41 GP 4th HAIL MICHIGAN (#11, 7-2) comes off another solid effort when run down late by Dardanellos, who tossed career best effort off perfect trip for this tag on 4/10. Need only repeat the effort to earn his home diploma today. -Mike Welsch
4:06 OP 5th DEGROM (#12, 9-2) must overcome the wide post, but is appealing for his third-place finish against steeper last out. The start was also his first at Oaklawn. -Mary Rampellini
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4:17 GP 7th NEVERSTOPDREAMING (#4, 4-1) back to the main while dropping to weakest level yet. Had no chance two back after eventful beginning but big effort vs. much stronger, this distance, on Jan. 11 points him out the one to beat with the right trip. -Mike Welsch
4:36 OP 6th
Unraced SUPER CONSTITUTION (#9, 8-1), a son of leading second-crop sire Constitution, has been working fast for a trainer who can have one ready. --Ron Gierkink
5:38 OP 8th COMICAL (#8, 15-1) seems highly unlikely to be anywhere near as high as her listed odds, but price still could come up square. That was a fine effort to a pretty good older horse last out and the trip was far from ideal. Was pretty lightly worked into the 3yo debut and she really should be sitting on a peak third start of the year. Think / hope she’s taken back a bit off the pace & believe she can stay the trip. – Marcus Hersh
5:49 GP 10th HEIR BALL (#9, 7-2) has been frustrated at the end on several occasions of late but beaten by the likes of red hot Miss Auramet two back and class dropping Blue Magic last time, the latter now a winner of three of her last five starts. Not facing anyone of that caliber returning with state breds now. -Mike Welsch
6:09 OP 9th HARVEY’S LIL GOIL (#5, 12-1) has more speed than she showed in the Busanda, where she was away poorly, and at least keeping the leader in range can be very important during the spring at OP. Loads of ability which came out as soon as she was moved to dirt. This clearly is a tougher field but she utterly dominated decent competition in her two dirt starts & brings an appealing Payson work pattern into the fray. – Marcus Hersh
6:19 GP 11th LADY NOGUEZ (#9, 8-1) one of many key contenders in finale. Improving sort took up sharply at the break, raced wide, held own behind Days of Spring who'd likely be odds on with this crowd. Might spring the upset with a luckier trip. -Mike Welsch
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