DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Saturday, February 6, 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.

12:10 GP 1st THE GREAT OZ (#12, 15-1) and PROVEN INNOCENT (#11, 5-1) will both have to overcome tough posts but with credentials to prevail if able to work out trips. Former turned in sharp turf bow from outside gate several weeks earlier and sharp in recent main track drill. Proven Innocent best bred of this bunch for the going, exits a pretty solid MSW race at Tampa from which 3rd finisher, Pletcher’s Aviado, returned to GP to finish 2nd recently with MSW opposition. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF

12:54 LRL 2nd SHECOR (#4, 6-1) did some nice work beating two next-out winners in most recent start at Penn National. Tracked in between horses, then saved ground in a loose pocket behind the quick pace. Split horses three wide with a decisive move with over two furlongs remaining and kept going along the rail. The fourth-place finisher returned to win at that level with a 50 Beyer. There doesn’t seem to be a ton of speed in this race so it’s imperative for her to stay close. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF

1:30 AQU 2nd BLUES CITY (#3, 10-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF

2:31 OP 2nd GREELEY AND BEN (#10, 6-1) rallied for second for this price last time and the bit of added real estate he picks up here would seem to serve his cause. -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF

2:50 TAM 7th In her debut, EAST WING (#8, 4-1) made a nice run on the turn to get into contention and rallied with some interest in the lane, though she wasn’t pushed all that hard once it was clear she’d be no better or worse than third; note the barn’s record with 2ndtime starters. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF

3:02 OP 3rd GOLDEN GRANT (#5, 5-1) has fired competitive races in each of her starts against winners and for this trip will add Lasix. She also owns what ranks as this field’s cohighest last-race Beyer Speed Figure. -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF

3:23 LRL 7th SARAH’S TREASURE (#3, 5-1) hasn’t won since December 21, 2018, but she’s run some competitive races at this level and exits a sharp try going six furlongs two weeks ago. Tracked the pace three wide and was gaining on the favorite with every stride. She’s won twice going sprint to route in her career and should be giving her all in the lane. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF

3:24 AQU 6th KIKKERLAND (#1, 9-2) debuted for this tag last month and was away slowly in a pacedominated race; improved his position throughout the running in what may have been an underrated performance and he took some money in that spot. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF

4:02 TAM 9th IL MALOCCHIO (#9, 10-1) makes his first start since October but he lands in a good spot in this Suncoast, as there is plenty of speed to her inside and she should get a favorable race flow; Woodbine Beyers give her credibility, as she’s a legit threat today if she can run to them in her first start on dirt. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF

4:44 GP 10th COURAGEOUSLY (#1, 8-1) goes turf to dirt for third start of form cycle and should benefit from the experience. Has the speed to be on or with pace throughout if able to leave clean from the rail. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF

5:02 TAM 11th SMILEY SOBOTKA (#5, 3-1) makes his 2020 debut in the Sam F. Davis and he’s working like he’s ready to pick up where he left off in 2019, which ended with a very good effort for the place in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. He was on the lead there and fought gamely though the wire but he showed an ability to relax off the pace in his maiden victory, and with several speeds to his outside that’s an important consideration; should be ideally positioned behind a contested pace. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF

5:16 GP 11th A BIT OF BOTH (#2, 9-2) ships locally off bullet main track work at Fair Grounds, should sit a nice stalking trip off all the speed in here on slight turn back to five-eighths. Already a G3 winner on turf. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF

5:33 TAM 12th FIRST DEGREE (#10, 4-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Kenny Peck). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF

5:40 OP 8th SEVEN NATION ARMY (#2, 9-2) returns to the stakes ranks for the King Cotton and he is appealing for his tactical speed, his record over the local strip, and the fact that he owns the field’s best last-race Beyer Speed Figure. -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF

5:48 GP 12th SHELLPHONE (#8, 30-1) finished willingly enough after steadying back in traffic during early going, should catch legit pace to run at again in this spot. Third off the layoff, can be along at another good price. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF