DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Saturday, June 22, 2024

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.

12:50 MTH 1st NO FAKE (#2, 8-1) was off the board in her grass debut last time out but she was closing well through the lane in that sprint, which featured little early speed; she has license to improve with that experience under her belt, and given faster fractions up front she may be able to run them all down late. -Kenny Peck

12:59 LRL 2nd There isn't a ton of turf pedigree close up in BUNNY HOP's (#10, 10-1) female family, but her third dam was a Grade 2 winner going long on grass. Recent main track form seems dirtied-up (aimed too high in first couple against winners, broke through the gate pre-start two back, then didn't have the cleanest trip when the beaten favorite), and the bullet grass work on 6/2 matches up with the barn's 3-year-old filly Discreet Hops (fourth in the Stormy Blues on turf on 6/16 with a 73 Beyer). Perhaps they breezed in company. Can set up shop in the second flight on the backstretch. -Dan Illman

1:04 BAQ 2nd CARTUCHO (#2, 8-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer).

1:46 WO 2nd CONTAGIOUSLAUGHTER (#5, 20-1) is bred for the grass on both sides of her pedigree and could win her turf debut as a longshot off winter/spring layoff. She's worked extensively and is being reunited with apprentice Bynoe, who broke her maiden. -Ron Gierkink

1:53 GP 3rd AVANT GLORY (#8, 15-1) has some back class. You can discount those turf tries 4 and 5 back. His recent form looks poor but he hopped at the start in both starts. We can't remember the last time we saw a horse do that and we have worked for the Form for 26 years. Class drop can only help and this horse draws the attack post going this tricky distance. This guy has never missed the board going seven panels. A new rider is noted. -Scott Ehlers

2:52 MTH 5th Thought RONSTADT (#8, 10-1) ran very well in defeat in his seasonal debut over this course last time out, rallying strongly along the inside in the late stages, and he now makes his first start off the Tony Wilson claim; he needs help from the pacesetters but there are a couple of speeds drawn to his inside, including OCEAN CITY and OPTIC WAY. -Kenny Peck

3:03 LRL 6th SHIVAREE (#2, 10-1) hasn't won a race since the fall of 2021, but occasionally pops a good number as evidenced by exceeding this Beyer par three and four back. Tracked outside earlier in the month, stalked from the four path on the backstretch, then never made an impression. All five wins sprinting, so perhaps he'll appreciate cutting back to this one-turn mile. -Dan Illman

3:28 WO 5th MISS ROBERTS (#2, 4-1) had significant traffic problems while in the midst of her rally after getting away slowly when switching to the main turf three weeks ago and did well to salvage third. The well-bred GB import is acquiring Lasix for this similar maiden special, while shedding some weight with the promising bug Moran taking over. -Ron Gierkink

3:40 BAQ 7th MUAZARAH (#7, 8-1) has not run well in either of his last two starts, though he was in over his head both times, particularly that last one when outrun behind class-dropping Patinga's Twin (won that race with a 95 Beyer, then won again on Wednesday with a 90); thought his effort off the claim three back was solid while forced to contest the pace; needs this drop and will be a price. -Mike Beer

4:06 LRL 8th RAKIA (#6, 6-1) returns to preferred surface after failed turf try in first off the claim. Tracked the 7-2 shot's moderate pace two wide/three path on dirt two back, poked a head in front three furlongs out, then gamely nosed out the runner-up after a protracted stretch battle. Proved with that race that he is very comfortable at this distance, and think he can work out a similar trip here. -Dan Illman

4:11 BAQ 8th JIMMYTHETOOTH (#12, 8-1) ran well in each of his first two starts last year without winning, then posted an easy maiden victory at Saratoga when put on the lead; followed up that win with a solid effort vs a strong field at Kentucky Downs; might have actually improved off the layoff last time when forced to rally from too far back, and having to do it through some stretch traffic; tough post but will be a price and think he is better than he looks. -Mike Beer

5:05 GP 9th EL DE JOSUE (#7, 20-1) returns to the Tapeta where he beat over half the field home in his debut. What if this guy simply didn't like a good dirt at Tampa in his return try? He didn't get an early breather in either of his last two starts but won one and ran a Beyer top in the other. New barn is 9% off the claim and with a flat bet profit. Perhaps the return to the synth helps more than anything. -Scott Ehlers

5:44 BAQ 11th TEMPLE CREED (#6, 12-1) lands in a nice spot to make his debut, and he has some pedigree behind him as a son of 12% turf route sire Jimmy Creed from the female family of stakes-winning turf router La Moneda (also trainer by Morley); breezing right along. -Mike Beer

6:07 GP 11th IMMENSE FAITH (#1, 8-1) didn't get a clean trip last out but does go third off the layoff. He draws inside and has some tactical speed to help the trip. Class drop can't hurt. -Scott Ehlers

6:12 WO 10th ROMANTICA (#3, 5-1) made a wide bid to vie for the lead in the stretch before weakening late to third when debuting in a similar maiden special June 1. The $375K yearling buy should be better for the experience. -Ron Gierkink

7:07 GP 13th WIDE WEST (#9, 6-1) has speed and tries a route of ground for the first time. Main pace foe is stuck outside. This barn is 1 for 1 in stakes. This filly has worked four times since her most recent and all came at five furlongs. Has this race been the goal all along? This race was originally slated for the turf but racing was cancelled for three days last week. This filly has a distance Tomlinson of 387 and that might bode well for today's stretch-out. -Scott Ehlers