DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Saturday, July 4, 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.

1:09 SAR 2nd SPECIAL WOOD (#8, 12-1) impressed winning the first two starts of her career from last-to-first in France, though she has been no match for stakes horses in three starts since; her rider seemed intent on getting her taken back to last in the 3yo debut when last seen, and she was always too far away, before passing a few horses late; has something to prove now, and she needs a trip, but she returns to her available condition for this, and there might be some pace in front of her. – Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

1:33 WO 2nd PARTY HOTLINE (#6, 6-1) finally ran to her good works when a front-running third at 38-1 in a similar $25K Tapeta sprint June 13. Leading rider Pietro Moran takes over after she worked an average half on the Tapeta. – Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race

1:44 SAR 3rd SAINT TROPEZ (#1, 8-1) is a half-sister to a Grade 3 route winner, from the female family of multiple Group 1 turf winners Aljabr and Sierra Madre (second dam); newcomer breaks from a perfect post with some solid breezes showing for a very dangerous barn - first-time starters, NYRA: 4 for his last 15, 27%, $3.67 ROI. – Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

2:54 SAR 5th WAGGLEY (#1, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Get PPs for this race

3:12 GP 6th AUTOMATIC PRESS (#8, 4-1) goes from one good barn to another. Added distance might be the key today as 420 distance Tommy is huge. Second time on this sod is a plus. Ocasio gets a leg up and is 28% for this barn locally. – Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race

3:44 GP 7th AMELIA (#7, 4-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers). | Get PPs for this race

5:32 LRC 4th Despite losing his last start by 13 lengths at this $16k claiming level, DURAN (#2, 7-2) gets the call based on a highly rated runner-up finish two back vs. similar. He can be closer to the front than last time, ran well his only previous start at LRC (MSW runner-up in 2023), and former Northern California trainer Isidro Tamaya has heated up recently in Southern California (5-for-19 since early May). – Brad Free | Get PPs for this race

5:56 SAR 10th Pletcher was likely using the late-running sprint off the long layoff as a prep for TUSCAN SKY (#6, 10-1), who has the speed to get the right kind of trip out of the mile chute; he had previously been at his best when involved early, so the late interest was another positive sign in that first start back; in the right kind of spot if he can still run. – Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

7:11 LRC 7th Two weeks after a strong win over the track, TEQUILAANDTHERAPY (#8, 9-2) runs back at the same Cal-bred N1X/optional claiming level. The filly has speed to create her own trip in a race without much pace, the additional furlong of this six and one-half furlong race is not an issue. No reason the sharp filly cannot fire again as likely favorite. | Get PPs for this race