DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Sunday, January 19, 2025

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.

12:20 GP 1st LONG WAVE (#4, 5-1) is a DRF best Bet (Scott Ehlers).

1:40 AQU 3rd NOBLE HUNTSMAN (#2, 8-1) might be a bit better on turf, but his dirt form has mostly come in tougher races, and he has been competitive from limited opportunities on this surface, despite being kept to longer distances; passed some horses late behind front-running winner two back, then showed improved early speed before fading last time; his lone career win came over 5.5 furlongs on the grass, but he has never sprinted on this surface. – Mike Beer

2:22 GP 5th KOSHER CAPONE (#10, 8-1) is by a 11% debut turf sire. His dam went 10-2-3-0 for 92K in Ireland. Two of three sibs won in Chile. Of three sibs to run in the United States, one won and is 19-2-2-2 for 178K on the green (won turf debut). This post hurts but the price figures square all for a runner that might love the weeds. – Scott Ehlers

2:40 AQU 5th OUR PREFERRED PAL (#4, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer).

2:55 OP 4th BRIGHT SPARK (#9, 9-2) was an opening day winner at Oaklawn and the start came at a mile and three-sixteenths. He backed up to a mile last out and the start should have him sharp for the move to a mile and an eighth – Mary Rampellini

3:10 AQU 6th WINNIN'ONWEEKENDS (#3, 7-2) has been in very good form for a year and proved that he can ship to NY and run his race when competitive in two starts here late last year, particularly in the longer distance attempt in October; disappointed a bit last time but that was a wet track, and he was caught dueling with the favorite early before giving way. – Mike Beer

3:35 SA 3rd HEADSTRONG WAYS (#1, 12-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Brad Free).

5:50 OP 10th WICKED PRINCE (#10, 8-1) was second over some of these last out at 93-1. Suspect that price will not be available Sunday. – Mary Rampellini

6:37 SA 9th Comeback stakes winner LAULNE (#4, 12-1) gets the call in this G3 hillside turf sprint, her first against older and first start since May. She is training like she can fire for trainer Phil D'Amato. A 4-for-9 filly who won Group 3 in France and a $100k stakes on the SA hillside last spring while making her first start in five months, she qualifies on class, and runs well fresh. – Brad Free