DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Friday, Sept. 11, 2026

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.

12:45 CD 1st TOM CAT TUESDAY (#6, 6-1) still looking for first win since the $50K claim last November, and while he could not do for $62.5K and N1X at Churchill earlier in the summer, a mushy $40K claimer could do the trick. It's not like a really "like" the horse, but he looks, potentially, like the best value. - Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race

1:14 CD 2nd While he hardly cuts an awesome physical figure, first-timer SHAVED ICE (#7, 5-1) in three work videos, all solo drills, did not look at all hapless. $37K auction buy debuts for $50K and FWIW attracts jockey Jose Ortiz. - Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race

1:22 GP 3rd AMERICAN DIRECTION (#5, 12-1) was claimed in his 16th start and that alone is interesting. We have always said that long suffering maidens that finally win get a taste for it. That is exactly what this guy did off the claim when 2nd at 2-1. Now he puts three races together and picks up a more experienced pilot. Tactical speed helps the trip and there isn't much zip in this race. - Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race

1:35 LRL 4th MILES AHEAD (#5, 3-1) might seem more evenly matched on paper than his odds will suggest, but Ness clearly has the gelding moving in the right direction in the Mid-Atlantic; after a tough trip two back led to a far worse effort, the 9-year-old seemed more like himself when he made up late ground for fourth in a $20,000 claimer at Parx in July; he traveled wide in that one as well, so the right trip could be all he needs. - Patrick Moquin | Get Past Performances for this race

1:52 GP 4th SISTA SOL (#4, 10-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers). | Get Past Performances for this race

2:02 WO 3rd GOT A COMPLEX (#4, 4-1) and COMPLEX SECRET (#3, 3-1) could form a complex exacta in this $15K non-two dash. The former was a fading fifth behind two next-out winners most recently vs. $25K non-two stock. The latter placed in all three of her appearances at the meet and is being reunited with the hot bug Douglas. - Ron Gierkink | Get Past Performances for this race

2:06 LRL 5th PLENTY ON TAP (#9, 4-1) will keep Ruiz in the saddle for his 14th maiden start and has finished in the money in four straight starts, all with 59 Beyers; there appears to be a clear ceiling here, but other contenders seem to have a similar problem and he will certainly get things easier than he did for a $40,000 tag at Colonial last month. - Patrick Moquin | Get Past Performances for this race

2:45 CD 5th One-run closer VALIANT HUMOR (#9, 8-1) needs a lot of pace help to have a chance - and it very much looks like he's landed in a race where he's going to get it. Turf comeback run late last month should serve him well and he's still a fresh horse having gotten much of the summer off. Holds firm for the $50K these connections paid. -Marcus Hersh

3:18 CD 6th Almost always like a long-layoff comebacker for a capable barn running in a claiming race with the claiming price waived, as is the case with WILD RECRUIT (#2, 6-1). Ran about as well as he ever had first off claim last September while going a two-turn mile that proved a little too far. He will be coming back ready to fire, I'd think. - Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race

3:55 GP 8th AUTHENTIC WAVE (#5, 9-2) just likes it here. That was a tough spot off the layoff as this filly was trying both the turf and two turns for the first time. Why the Delaware work on the 29th only to return here though? We like today's distance more than anything as this filly just loves it at 4-2-0-1. - Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race

4:28 GP 9th SIR GUINNESS (#4, 6-1) did try tougher not that long ago. Second time with new barn should help. Perhaps the cut back to a sprint is the key if distance Tomlinson of 421 is any indication. The blinkers go ON and this horse gets a weight break. - Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race

8:26 RP 3rd CUPID'S THUNDER (#9, 15-1) faded after stalking the pace in a race which set up well for the speeds last time out but if he can rate off the leaders and make one run he has a shot at a price tonight; best back Beyers give him strong credibility and he can run to them given a clean trip and the right set up. - Kenny Peck | Get Past Performances for this race

8:54 RP 4th LUCKED OUT (#12, 10-1) is widest in this 12-horse field, and that does present a challenge for her in her first start since December, but new trainer Dick Cappellucci's record with private acquisitions makes him intriguing despite the respite; tactical speed should mean she's able to work out a trip even with the outside starting slot. - Kenny Peck | Get Past Performances for this race

10:18 RP 7th MAYBE DOLCIE (#4, 20-1) warrants a look at a longer price in this Shawn Bergquist Memorial. She was off the board in her latest but she could well have needed a race, as she had been idle since May, and she does have a proven late kick, with several proven speeds parked to her outside; worth a shot at a price against likely favorite MISS CODE WEST, as she wasn't that far off that rival in their meetings last year. - Kenny Peck | Get Past Performances for this race

10:46 RP 8th CUCAMONGA (#3, 6-1) was shelved following a huge effort to break his maiden back in December, and though this is his first start since trainer C. R. Trout excels with horses off extended layoffs, scoring with four of his last eight such runners; he could well be the main speed in this sprint, which is otherwise light on early zip, and if he can shake loose with relative ease he'll be tough to reel in. - Kenny Peck | Get Past Performances for this race