DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Sunday, February 25, 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.

12:18 TAM 1st STORM CREED (#2, 6-1) was better than 12 lengths ahead of the others when 2nd behind sharp firster Ground Stop in that last run, with the winner posting a Beyer (57) that came up seven points better than par on for the class and distance; rises in class but capable with a similar effort. -Kenny Peck | Bet this race with DRF Bets

12:25 LRL 1st DESTINED TO DANCE (#5, 5-1) has much to prove over this circuit, but gave an improved try around two turns earlier in the month at Charles Town. Settled off a solid pace, made a three-wide bid on the second bend, then settled for second behind the favored winner while displaying a promising gallop-out. That Beyer is such an outlier, however, that one must demand value on a late-running filly that may be pace-dependent. -Dan Illman | Bet this race with DRF Bets

12:39 GP 2nd WHO'S THE KING (#7, 5-1) is by a 13% debut turf sire. His dam is a stakes winner but she never tried the grass nor did lone sib to this colt. Recent work was 27th of 29 but perhaps that is a good sign telling us that this colt is right where the barn wants him and no need for a fast work. Class drop is main selling point but we also think this colt will like the green. -Scott Ehlers | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:37 GP 4th RYE'S MY GUY (#7, 6-1) found himself on the rail in his most recent where he broke 6th of 7 and then found himself further back than what he likes. He didn't get much play in that race either when sent off at 11-1. What if connections are using that poor try to drop in class and steal a purse? Lone Tapeta try had this guy fifth of seven but that was going only five furlongs. -Scott Ehlers | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:10 LRL 4th TRUE BLUE PEARL (#7, 6-1) broke a beat slow, stalked three wide at the back, made an early four-wide bid into the teeth of the pace to prompt the leader two wide/three path, then manhandled a group of first-level allowance horses at Penn National. She won over this course and distance two back, and might have enough tactical speed to find a good forward position on the first turn without losing too much ground from a tough outside draw. -Dan Illman | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:51 AQU 5th CHARLIE FIVE O (#8, 8-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:04 GP 7th TRAMONTANE (#1, 6-1) got some play in her debut and showed good late energy which is what we often see from this barn with their debut turf sprinters. Lots and lots of works since said debut and this filly should improve with a race under her belt. We love this rail draw and added distance something this filly should embrace. -Scott Ehlers | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:04 TAM 8th WINTER'S GHOST (#5, 8-1) may be worth a shot at a price here, as he's run well over this track in the past and he has valid pace excuses for his recent losses; with speed to his inside and out he could fall into an ideal stalking trip and that could enable him to make the last run here, at a price. -Kenny Peck | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:34 TAM 9th AMPLIO ESQUEMA (#13, 15-1) is on the Also Eligible list and thus will need the help of at least one scratch to get into this race but if she does she has a big shot, as she has lots of room to improve off that troubled trip in her first start off a break; closer needs pace but she's a threat if she gets it. -Kenny Peck | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:36 GP 10th KHOZANKA (#1, 12-1) adds distance and draws the rail. She guns, right? Where is the other speed if not? Lone sib is a multiple winner of 245K. This filly has a distance Tomlinson of 385 so the added real-estate could be a difference maker. -Scott Ehlers | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:57 AQU 9th HAIR ON FIRE (#11, 10-1) was wide and raced greenly in the sprint debut before passing some horses late; has caught two wet tracks since, the first of those when behind 3/5 Big Prankster over a surface that favored speed, and he caught a good field when stretched out last time; drops. -Mike Beer | Bet this race with DRF Bets

5:45 GG 3rd There are no runners with inspiring form in this $4,000 claimer for non-winners of two at six furlongs, only six horses on lengthy losing streaks. RANCHO RED (#4, 10-1), winless in eight starts since last March, has shown speed at times and may benefit from a forward trip. He was within a length of the lead in the stretch of a race at this level at 5 1-2 furlongs on Jan. 27 before fading to finish fourth. -Steve Andersen | Bet this race with DRF Bets

7:15 GG 6th In a conditional $12,500 claimer loaded with speedy types, GRAZEN SUN (#8, 8-1) could have a favorable trip as a closer in his first start since October. Grazen Sun was pulled up in his last start, and has not won since April. Still, he will have a sharp drop in class to this race at 5 1-2 furlongs and should have a good set-up. -Steve Andersen | Bet this race with DRF Bets