DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Friday, May 8, 2026
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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.
Post Time: 1:43 ET
Track: Churchill Downs (3rd Race)
Horse: GALLO DE FUEGO (#5, 4-1)
This trainer Jose Gallegos many years ago was a fixture at PARX, was out of training for a couple years and had only a handful of runners other seasons before getting back in more seriously during 2024. Was 4-48 that year and, out of the blue, 28-150 during 2025. Started 2026 running at least as many at an even higher strike rate and stands to win with his first-ever Churchill starter, GALLO DE FUEGO. Yes, there were only four others in the 2/16 $25K N2L claimer at GP, but the horse who finished second behind him returned to win a GP N1X allowance by three lengths with an 81 Beyer, the third horse a 4/25 Churchill winner of a $16K N2L claimer with a 75 Beyer. Probably came back a bit too quick when regressing somewhat last out at Tampa - but not back too quick this time. 7f his trip, CDT drills suggest he's ready. – Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 2:10 ET
Track: Belmont at the Big A (3rd Race)
Horse: SCREAMING UNCLE (#7, 5-1)
SCREAMING UNCLE earned an 84 Beyer while posting his most recent victory last June while in for twice this price; got involved on a fast pace in a race that was won by a closer in his first start off the claim two back; chased and stayed on evenly when finishing behind a pair of these same rivals last time; breaks from a nice outside post in his third start off the layoff. – Mike Beer | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 2:30 ET
Track: Laurel (6th Race)
Horse: BAR FOURTEEN (#13, 6-1)
BAR FOURTEEN shipped to Laurel for the first time late last year and immediately won a starter/optional claiming race before another solid run in November; he raced on dirt through the winter and didn't have much to offer, but Brown is bringing him back here to try the grass again; it's obviously his preferred surface and he should be able to get back to an acceptable level. – Patrick Moquin | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 2:40 ET
Track: Belmont at the Big A (4th Race)
Horse: TIME FOR YOU (#6, 10-1)
TIME FOR YOU is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 2:52 ET
Track: Gulfstream (5th Race)
Horse: SWEETSTER (#1, 6-1)
SWEETSTER is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers). | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 3:50 ET
Track: Churchill Downs (7th Race)
Horse: CAPTAIN MERCURY (#8, 6-1)
A mere one workout video for first-time starter CAPTAIN MERCURY, and that way back on March 29 in just a 3f drill, but I saw all I needed to see. Pretty heavy guy at the time and figures to have honed down since. Looks very fast, decent way of going - think he's a first-out factor and might take the measure of TILT A TWIRL. – Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race