DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Sunday, February 26, 2023
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 AQU 1st MENILY (#6, 9-2) caught a wet track when finally dropped in class last time, and could only chase from the outside after breaking poorly from the gate; might have enough speed to make the lead vs. this field if breaking more alertly, and getting in front in a race like this is half the battle. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race
1:56 LRL 4th TRIPLE TITOS (#6, 6-1) is mired in a 23-race losing streak, but he has plenty of back Beyers that would make him competitive with these, and he exits a solid try going two turns at Penn National. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race
2:01 OP 2nd LIARS CLUB (#5, 5-1) made his dirt debut last out after racing on the synthetic and turf courses at Woodbine and almost equaled his best career Beyer Speed Figure. He was second in a race in which he faced some of these. -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race
2:32 OP 3rd BIG JAVA (#3, 8-1) cuts back to one turn and she's been effective sprinting in the past. She also is making the third start of her form cycle. -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race
2:39 GP 6th Turned back by the superior Bandita in their shared debut, ARROW BOLT (#6, 4-1) nonetheless did get within hailing distance following a not-too-good start in what was an overall encouraging 1/29 debut for the Juddmonte juggernaut and her HOF conditioner; that was an exceedingly important building block toward what could be a far more productive effort on this stretchout four weeks later. -Marty McGee | Get PPs for this race
3:16 TAM 6th NO QUE NO (#5, 3-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Kenny Peck). | Get PPs for this race
3:26 LRL 7th MIDNIGHT RENEGADE (#8, 8-1) is the first foal out of stakes-winning turf router Royal Renege (82 turf Beyer), herself a half to Grade 1-placed synthetic router Roman Invasion (91 dirt Beyer). The second dam was a stakes-winning dirt sprinter (won first two starts, 93 dirt Beyer). Midnight Lute - Broken Vow breeding "nick" produced multiple stakes-winner Edwards Going Left (102 dirt Beyer) and stakes-winning dirt router Midnight Mojo (65 dirt Beyer). -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race
3:38 GP 8th It was BROADWAY FORCE (#6, 9-2) who carried J.Alvarado to career win No. 2,000 in what was a very professional effort from the 4yo filly, and now they're reunited for a first try versus winners. Something similar to the MSW breakthrough could do, although the turn-back to 6 panels might be a little tricky; bottom line is that Beyer-wise and style-wise, she belongs with these. -Marty McGee | Get PPs for this race
3:55 AQU 7th CRYPTO CASH (#4, 8-1) had no chance with that drop-down, blowout winner last time when moved up slightly in class; ran well two back when along for second in a race that set up well for closers and has plenty of back races that make him tough in here; has a bit of hang in him but he might get overlooked in this spot and he is capable of racing close to the pace, if necessary. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race
4:38 OP 7th LOST IN LIMBO (#2, 6-1) was prominent last out in a race that went in good time and the start was this one's first since June. It was a productive comeback and looking for a move forward in his second race back. -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race
4:54 TUP 5th THIRD WHEEL (#2, 5-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers). | Get PPs for this race
7:57 GG 8th KODIACTION (#6, 8-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Steve Andersen). | Get PPs for this race