DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Sunday, January 1, 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.
12:39 GP 2nd RUBYSA (#4, 4-1) stays put off the claim while exiting key race under similar conditions last month and getting significant rider switch with Jose O taking the call. Blew out bullet for this for new connections off the claim. – Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
1:40 GP 4th HIGH YIELD KITTEN (#5, 4-1) hung a bit last time going a mile when second best behind FROSTED ARMOUR but might just turn the tables turning back to what may prove a better distance, 6 1/2 furlongs, in rematch. Hard to fault the latter in his present form. Wheels right back with same kind off the claim. – Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:16 AQU 5th O’TROUBLE (#2, 3-1) won for $12,500 here Oct. 8, was claimed and then wasn't seen for a couple months, which was a bit disconcerting. However, he came back here Dec. 8, was not risked for a tag, set a pressured pace and just missed to be a good 2nd, beaten just a neck. It's nice to see there's not another layoff and while he's back in for a tag it's twice what they spent when they claimed him. He figures in it from the start. – Michael Hammersly | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:22 LRL 5th TORRE BRANCA (#3, 8-1) took a nice step forward when stretched back out in distance. Saved ground in midpack, eased out on the turn, angled widest into the stretch, then came with a nice late rally and a good-looking gallop-out. Late-kicker always needs a bit of pace and race luck. – Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:16 AQU 7th BLINDING LIGHT (#6, 9-2) ran on for 2nd, albeit well beaten, in a race like this here Nov. 4. His prior start, however, in another race like this here Oct. 6, stamps him a good fit. He has tactical speed which can lead to a nice stalking trip and ample speed signed up to his inside can give him a nice target. – Michael Hammersly | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:26 OP 5th CITY LEGEND (#7, 6-1) makes the move to dirt after being a regular on the synthetic surface at Woodbine and like the near bullet half-mile he worked over the local strip Dec. 22. It was the second fastest of 101 moves at the distance that morning at Oaklawn. – Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:51 LRL 8th Perhaps it was merely a result of the off track, but STAND BY YOU (#6, 6-1) looked very good running past optional claimers at Penn National last time out. Broke a beat slow from the rail, saved ground in last behind a hot pace, made a smooth inside bid on the turn, altered three wide turning for home, and sprinted to the wire. He'll need to stay a bit closer to the pace in a race without much speed. – Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:10 GP 9TH LEGACY ISLE (#1, 9-2) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Welsch). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:14 AQU 9th BOURBON’S HOPE (#11, 8-1) pressed the issue before giving way badly here last time out Dec. 9 but was in vs. much tougher. He gets some significant class relief and that might do the trick, so long as there are no ill effects from that Dec. 9 dud. – Michael Hammersly | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:22 OP 7th LA MORENA (3, 10-1) has represented herself well against some quality rivals, among them win machine Lady Ave. – Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:40 GP 10th Just a total guess who'll like the mile and one half in nightcap with none of these having come close to trying the distance to date. MALEX (#2, 10-1) make U S bow and a new gelding who'll also get Lasix for first time. Might have the speed to lead these merry chase if getting loose as expected on the front end. – Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
6:30 SA 8th THIRSTY (#6, 3-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Brad Free). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets