DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Sunday, January 25, 2026
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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.
Post Time: 1:05 ET
Track: Tampa Bay Downs (2nd Race)
Horse: BANG A RANG (#3, 7-2)
BANG A RANG filled out the exacta in both of his races going seven-eighths at a notch lower since returning from a fall freshening. His high-percentage trainer scored at a 16% clip off a claim during the past five years ($1.20 ROI). – Ron Gierkink | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 2:51 ET
Track: Gulfstream (6th Race)
Horse: GEAUX AMY (#1, 6-1)
GEAUX AMY hard to fault in current form and obviously much improved since switching to the Tapeta. May stand some catching again. – Mike Welsch | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 3:50 ET
Track: Gulfstream (8th Race)
Horse: NAME IT (#10, 6-1)
NAME IT drops to weakest level yet after turning in good showing behind 2-1, wire to wire winner Hammerstein in local bow despite racing in some tight quarters early on. Looked good on the gallop out as well. Should offer plenty of value with IRISH GENT in the lineup and exiting same race. – Mike Welsch | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 4:40 ET
Track: Tampa Bay Downs (9th Race)
Horse: NOBLE FACTOR (#6, 9-2)
NOBLE FACTOR is a DRF Best Bet (Ron Gierkink). | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 5:11 ET
Track: Gulfstream (11th Race)
Horse: VIA VENETO (#6, 5-1)
VIA VENETO is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Welsch). | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 7:35 ET
Track: Santa Anita (9th Race)
Horse: ESSOS (#5, 7-2)
The fourth-place finish by ESSOS last out was better than it looks, and stamps the 3yo maiden as one of the best gambles on the card. ESSOS was stretching out for his second start, but he broke from post 8 and raced at least three-wide from start to finish. It's a tough to win a turf route losing ground on both turns, yet he missed by only slightly more than three lengths. Now he adds blinkers and Lasix, he worked exceptionally well since raced, and figures for a forwardly placed trip stretching to a mile and one-eighth. Third time out, this should be his best. – Brad Free | Get Past Performances for this race
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