DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Friday, May 9, 2025

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.

1:18 PIM 3rd TWIRLING EXPRESS (#7, 12-1) had an erratic 4-year-old campaign, oscillating between sharp form and several aimless performances; one interesting wrinkle is that he seemed to rediscover an affinity for this shorter turf distance, where he broke his maiden off a winter break; past success off a layoff is another hint that he may have a lot to offer here. – Tom Moquin | Get PPs for this race

2:05 BAQ 3rd SPIRIT DRAGON (#1, 4-1) is a half-brother to two sprint winners, both of whom had good early speed; had to get seven, but Kimmel is underrated with first-time starters, and he appears to have a nice spot for the debut. – Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

2:58 GP 5th GRANITIANSEVENSIX (#10, 8-1) should be a decent price. He got a nice confidence boost last out. What if he needed that turf try three back when shipping in from Santa Anita? He ran evenly two back and should be fully acclimated to here by now. This gelding did beat special weights on the grass at Del Mar before the long layoff. He gets good race flow and can pass runners. – Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race

3:38 BAQ 6th PAROLA SICURA (#2, 6-1) posted her maiden win on a different surface, but she was stakes-placed sprinting on turf last summer, before shipping to Saratoga and running better than it looks while involved on a fast pace that fell apart late; checked hard and dropped back to last early when returned to turf for her first start off the layoff last month; taking some class relief looking for a better trip. – Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

4:36 GP 8th FORMULATE (#2, 6-1) is improving by the minute. His only poor try came going two turns on the grass and he went on vacation right after as if something went awry. He returns to the Tapeta where he won his debut as the favorite. Race flow is more than fair while trainer stats are good across the board. – Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race

4:43 BAQ 8th HIGHESTDISTINCTION (#1, 4-1) got good for this trainer two summers ago when winning four straight, including a Grade 3 with a triple-digit Beyer going this distance; he got off to a late start last year before only managing to make it to the gate four times, and he made his first two starts this year over a different surface; back to turf dropping out of a very tough race. – Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race