DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Saturday, January 31, 2026
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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.
Post Time: 12:25 ET
Track: Tampa Bay Downs (1st Race)
Horse: SPURIOUS (#9, 12-1)
SPURIOUS has been away since April but this does seem like an ideal situation for him, as this is a weak field and he's been working like he's ready for trainer Mario Lopez; dangerous if he can rate off the speeds and make a late run. – Kenny Peck | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 2:15 ET
Track: Gulfstream (5th Race)
Horse: KHOZALITE (#1, 10-1)
KHOZALITE returns to what may turn out to be his preferred surface, having won lone try on grass in impressive fashion during the summer meet. Easily handled Strategic Risk two back on dirt, the latter now one of the top ranked members of his division after cruising to easy win in the Smarty Jones earlier this month. Add Irad to the equation and may ultimately prove the one to catch. – Mike Welsch | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 4:25 ET
Track: Tampa Bay Downs (9th Race)
Horse: AUSSIE GIRL (#5, 7-2)
AUSSIE GIRL was impeded and forced very wide on the first turn if her latest and she was subsequently pulled up bit that race notwithstanding she does have established speed, and that could be a big edge for her in the Endeavour Stakes, which doesn't boast a lot of early foot; her best Beyers fit nicely with the locals and she has every right to run to them if she gets a favorable forward trip. – Kenny peck | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 5:09 ET
Track: Santa Anita (4th Race)
Horse: MIDNIGHT MAMMOTH (#1, 9-2)
Veteran 7yo veteran MIDNIGHT MAMMOTH gets the call in a modest G2 for older dirt horses. G3 winner and G2 runner-up, the challenge for 'MAMMOTH is to reproduce his fine comeback just 15 days ago. 'MAMMOTH showed surprising sprint speed, pressed the pace, and wore down the odds-on favorite in deep stretch. The race was fast, 'MAMMOTH typically runs best around two turns. If he can run two alike wheeling back on relatively short notice, he can win again with a pressing trip. – Brad Free | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 5:15 ET
Track: Gulfstream (11th Race)
Horse: STORM'S WAKE
STORM'S WAKE no match for SISTER TROIENNE in the Ginger Brew but did get shuffled back early before coming on best of all late stages and galloping out in front of the field. All of which suggests the added ground could be a plus in the rematch. – Mike Welsch | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 5:35 ET
Track: Fair Grounds (7th Race)
Horse: AL MUHEERAH (#6, 10-1)
AL MUHEERAH is a DRF Best Bet (Marcus Hersh). | Get Past Performances for this race
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