DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Saturday, October 5, 2024
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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.
1:10 WO 1st WILL THEN (#2, 6-1) ships in from Turfway off a double-digit debut loss over the undulating Kentucky Downs course vs. maiden special company. Blinkers and Lasix are added by a top trainer, who scored with three of four starters at this meet. – Ron Gierkink
1:20 GP 2nd HELLO HELLO HELLO (#2, 4-1) returns to the turf after showing marked improvement at second asking on Tapeta despite a less than sanitary trip. Well-bred for the surface being kind to turf SW Flattery and multiple SP grass runner Wegetsdaminnys. Looking for best yet here. – Mike Welsch
1:41 BAQ 4th AIR SHOW (#1, 6-1) was in good form for much of 2023 before finally tailing off a bit following a voided claim in November; was given plenty of time off and Rudy used the waiver when bringing his back for $25k at Saratoga, where he appeared to just be prepping while placed over behind horses and never going for a serious run before catching some stretch traffic; might be set to move forward with that one out of the way, and he is dangerous if he does. – Mike Beer
2:04 KEE 3rd ILLUMINATRICE (#9, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Marcus Hersh).
3:17 BAQ 7th PARADISE CITY (#6, 12-1) has the pedigree to handle the stretch-out, being by McKinzie and from a dam who was a Grade 2 winner routing in her career; was clearly well-prepared for the debut when showing professionalism to sit in behind the lead before coming clear and closing down an experienced rival; that handiness should suit her well in this race, which is not short on early speed, and Joseph has good numbers with horses stretching out off of maiden wins on dirt. – Mike Beer
4:02 WO 6th ENGLISH CONQUEROR (#2, 8-1) failed to get covered up last out when a wide third in a $200K stakes going 1 1/2 miles at Delaware. He was subsequently scratched from the Niagara Stakes due to an issue regarding his Lasix administration and comes into this G3 fresh and ready to fire his best shot from a desirable inside post. – Ron Gierkink
4:03 GP 7th YOURAMYSTYLE (#6, 6-1) an improving sort who handled two turns nicely in latest and obviously a good fit for this price. Ability to handle the turf the key. – Mike Welsch
4:53 BAQ 10th KAY CUP (#4, 4-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer).
5:08 WO 8th MILLIE GIRL (#2, 12-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Ron Gierkink).
5:25 BAQ 11th VACATION DANCE (#8, 12-1) is a capable turf sprinter and he was victorious the last time he raced in this condition about a year ago at Saratoga; has struggled to get a campaign going as a 4yo, and saved ground to no avail when cut back last time in a race that was dominated on the lead; better fit here and he might get overlooked a bit in this spot. – Mike Beer
5:30 SA 4thLots of speed in this $100k turf-sprint stakes for 2yos, which could set up perfectly for last-out maiden turf sprint winner KALE'S ANGEL (#2, 6-1). Making his second start, he rationed his speed , rallied strongly in the lane, and drew off impressively. In this five-furlong turf race that is loaded with speed, 'ANGEL can sit, wait and blast home for the win. – Brad Free
6:07 GP 11th INHERENT PROMISE (#9, 3-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Welsch).
6:20 KEE 11th You see a Bob Baffert-trained maiden showing up on in a Keeneland fall maiden race and you wonder what the heck is going on. Then you watch TOUR PLAYER (#8, 12-1) work inside Grade 1 class Prince of Monaco on Sept. 30 and, frankly, beat him up through the final furlong, and things start to make more sense. Looks like this Baffert-owned beast might have come back from a layoff of several months a better version of himself, and the extended one-turn trip should suit him. – Marcus Hersh