DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Saturday, August 14, 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.

1:10 MTH 3rd SPEED SALSA (#3, 5-1) closed nicely for the place when last seen but while the 70 Beyer she earned there was better than what she registered in her prior start the route try two back was at least as impressive, as she was forced to try to close in a race that was light on pace; she also encountered some traffic trouble there but she rallied nicely and also galloped out well. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:16 PIM 2nd A slow pace is always a major concern for STAND MY GROUND (#2, 12-1), who has virtually no early speed and could really use contested fractions to attack. He might be up against it once more from a race shape standpoint, but he’ll sometimes kick on in the stretch and should offer decent value dropping back to the bottom. No match for 1 to 5 winner Sir Lenny last time out after being bumped at the start and outrun through moderate fractions over muddy going. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:58 GP 3rd More than ample prep for the Whisper Hill newbie PURE SPEIGHT (#2, 7-2), a gray colt who’s got a classic win-early pedigree (by Speightstown) and a trainer (Nicks) who wins with his fair share of first-timers; will be surprised if the tote doesn’t reflect a solid chance. -Marty McGee | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:11 WO 5th SUGAR IS GOLDEN (#1, 15-1) came up empty after a three-wide stalking trip in her five-furlong debut. The daughter of Goldencents has since worked nicely, and should be more effective here with the addition of blinkers and Lasix. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:33 MTH 8th BOLD CONFECTION (#2, 7-2) adds blinkers for her first start since March and the most recent work she turned in, back in July, suggests that the new equipment agrees with her, as it can be assumed she worked with blinkers there; she was the one to catch regardless, and this is not a race with a lot of proven speeds signed on. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:05 MTH 9th WHISTLE PLAYER (#2, 6-1) was a very good third last time out, pressing the early pace from his outside post and holding well until late in the game, yielding only to a couple of closers; he doesn’t need the lead, as he’s at his best when he’s able to stalk and make one run, and from this inside post that’s a trip that is well within reach. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:08 PIM 7th Trainer Brittany Russell is 6 for the last 8 (75%, $5.66 ROI) with newly-blinkered runners and will attempt to add to those gaudy numbers with CALL ME PLUCKY (#4, 5-1), a gelding that should do better as he makes the second start following 344-day layoff. Held up behind a slow pace, he passed a few foes in the stretch last month. Lightlyraced 4-year-old still has some upside potential. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:33 MTH 10th WENDIGO (#3, 9-2) ran a big race for the show against an above-average group of non-winners of three in that last try, the only one of three pace players in that field to hit the board after a race-long duel through decent splits; he has done some of his best work when he’s come from off the pace but that effort suggests he can win on the lead, and in a race lacking an obvious race flow his versatility gives him some options. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:43 WO 8th ARTIE’S STORM (#4, 6-1) is 2 for 3 at the meet, including a 1 1/16-mile OS allowance triumph in his first grass start three weeks ago. Tio Magico had everything his own way up front on a slow pace when “Artie” rallied for second in the seven-furlong Queenston Stakes on the Tapeta. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:48 GP 8th O CAPTAIN (#5, 5-1) is by the promising young sire Carpe Diem and has some sublime a.m. works ahead of a debut in which he’s among a handful of 2yos eligible to succeed at first asking; the G.Delgado barn is capable with most any kind, including young ones just like this; tote ought to provide a clue or two; guessing he’ll be right and ready. -Marty McGee | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

5:45 WO 10th IS THERE A FOREST (#8, 10-1) dueled up front along the rail before tiring late to end up third in her encouraging debut vs. $25K maidens. The daughter of Old Forester shouldn’t be out of her league in this hybrid sprint for OS/$40K maidens. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

5:56 GP 10th Been more than 2 years since GARTER AND TIE (#1, 4-1) last stood in the winner’s circle, but isn’t there an overabundance of speed in this renewal of the Benny the Bull to make him a major consideration here?; 5yo with class aplenty should be willing and eager off this 7-month-plus layoff, and a pace meltdown could play right into his hands, absolutely; tote price should be square, too. -Marty McGee | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets