DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Monday, May 31, 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.

1:14 MTH 3rd CARPE LUNA (#2, 8-1) makes his seasonal debut, and while his Beyers are light compared with the top contenders he has lots of room to run a big race off the layoff, as trainer Steve Asmussen does well with horses off this type of break; perhaps more appealing is today’s expected race flow, as there are several speeds to his outside and he’ll be looking to make the late run, and he can do just that with a clean trip and a quick, contested pace up front. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:21 GP 2nd FOLLOW ME MOM (#1, 6-1) gets a little more class relief after turning in an even effort following poor start returning to turf following prolonged absence. Could offer some value here. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:31 BEL 2nd BLAME IT ON MARY (#1, 4-1) had the pedigree to step up with the switch to the grass last time, and she probably did, even though her figure regressed slightly from the blowout win she posted once start prior; that was a fast-paced race she landed in last time, and she comfortably kept it within range before taking over in the stretch, only to fall to a couple of closers (including odds-on favorite Kokopelli) late; draws inside with tactical speed and may not have to work as hard early this time. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:38 PIM 3rd BLUE DANUBE (#5, 6-1) was hounded every step over “good” going here earlier in the month before tiring along the inside. He seems to be coming around after a pair of subpar efforts and might control the pace at a solid mutuel. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:02 BEL 3rd PAY GRADE (#4, 4-1) getting a significant class test here after breaking her maiden when last seen back in March over a pretty weak field; thought she ran well when coming up just short of a talented rival in January, and she won that last one with relative ease after taking charge early on. She has upside in a race where the horse to beat is LAOBANONAPRAYER, who has questions to answer after totally bombing at a very short price when last seen. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:14 MTH 5th POWERFULLY BUILT (#9, 8-1) is widest but could also be quickest of them all out of the gate, and if he can shake loose and control the pace in his first start off the layoff he can steal this; note the solid runner-up effort last year in his seasonal debut over this strip. -Kenny PeckJ | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:23 GP 4th TRANQUILLINA (#3, 4-1) remained in south Florida and transferred to new barn after a couple of decent efforts to launch career at Tampa. Taken to belong with proper handling. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:43 MTH 6th TUTTI BENVENUTI (#10, 4-1), entered as a Main Track Only, was a nice 2nd in her first start of 2021 last time out, at Pimlico, a race that’s good enough on the surface to make her a contender with these, though she can be expected to take a step forward with that sprint under her belt; trainer Jorge Duarte Jr. is overdue to start winning races in bunches, as he has done in the past. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:52 GP 5th HEAT OF THE NIGHT (#3, 12-1) drops to weakest level yet for third start of form cycle. Finished only 3 1/2 behind even money winner Girl Dad last time. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:42 MTH 8th ROSELBA (#8, 8-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Kenny Peck). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:43 PIM 7th WORKIN ON A DREAM (#4, 9-2) was freshened a bit after game score over HANALEI’S HOUDINI going nine furlongs. Made the front and the rail at a big price, took some pressure on the backstretch, was passed in midstretch, but roared back along the inside to score. Good early speed has him in the mix from the start once again. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:06 BEL 7th DR. BLUTE (#1, 9-2) caught a sloppy track first time out and was impressive in taking the faster division of NY-bred MSWs at Aqueduct while tracking the early pace; ran well on turf last time now comes back to the main track with Velazquez taking over. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:26 GP 8th STAR JUANCHO (#2, 6-1) gets a set of blinkers and note the quick gate work subsequent to last start. Perhaps equipment change can make enough difference to get veteran back in winner’s circle following prolonged absence. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:44 LS 4th ENJAY’S BRASS (#6, 4-1) had success on turf in Houston and now moves back to the main track, where she is a multiple winner at this five and a half furlong trip. -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

5:12 BEL 9th GOOD CREDENCE (#9, 6-1) appears to be in a bit tough on paper, and will certainly have to be ready right off the layoff vs. this field, but she might be better than she looks on paper with some excuses mixed in with solid overall form; has the right running style for this race from the outside draw and will get her at a price if she’s ready to go. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

5:15 LS 5th PEKA (#3, 5-1) was fourth at this level last time and note the race has become a key one. The third-place finisher came back to win a $25K conditioned claimer at LS with a Beyer of 73 and the eighth-place finisher, Run Ballerina, a $5K claimer at LS, with a Beyer of 64. -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

5:41 SA 4th COLOSI (#5, 5-1) finished behind two rivals he meets again in this $12.5k claiming starter, but his consistency and tactical speed gives him a chance to settle the score. He has maintained solid form all season, his recent fourth may have been better than it looks. The racing surface was strange April 10, the pace was excessively fast, and he was still in the hunt before fading at the furlong pole. He actually ran okay, and is qualified to upset. -Brad Free | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

7:18 SA 7th Although the distance is shorter than he prefers, SAY THE WORD (#6, 4-1) can win the G1 Shoemaker Mile. This field is absent East Coast shippers and therefore not as deep as previous years. As for ‘WORD, he returns home after a sharp G3 win at Keeneland over Channel Cat, who returned to win the G1 Man o’ War at Belmont Park. Furthermore, ‘WORDS gave multiple graded winner United all he could handle two back. -Brad Free | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

8:00 SA 9th KEEPER OFTHE STARS (#6, 5-2) is the defending champ and looks back on her game as she darn near beat some tough males in a G3 mile at GG last time out. She gets more ground and is back in vs. girls only, both of which figure to help. – Michael Hammersly | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets