DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Sunday, January 28, 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.

11:50 AQU 1st TWIRLING VINE (#5, 8-1) looked like he needed the career debut when racing greenly behind an odds-on, front-running winner; returned with two improved efforts sprinting last summer, and didn't run as poorly as it might appear in that off-turf race at Saratoga; like him cutting back for this after showing speed over a mile in the last two. -Mike Beer | Bet this race with DRF Bets

12:10 GP 1st HOMER JONES (#3, 12-1) didn't do much in his debut but he didn't get much play either when sent off at 24-1. He tried the grass in his second start and even though he never got an early breather he ran much better. Now he figures to improve second time this surface. He has tactical speed and draws fine so his trip figures more than fair. -Scott Ehlers | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:07 GP 3rd ASK IN MY NAME (#5, 15-1) just ran a Beyer top which isn't unusual for a horse making its fourth start. The fact that he ran well when first on the grass and first with his new barn is more interesting. On top of that, he was shipping in from Woodbine where many a runner has a tough time when they first get here. Connections find a good spot and this state-bred should improve second time everything. -Scott Ehlers | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:22 TAM 3rd FALL MOON (#6, 15-1) was behind several of these same runners in her return from the layoff but she was left with a lot to do after racing well off the early pace, and that was a race where the frontrunners held an edge; she also has license to take a step forward in her second start since September, with that race under her belt. -Kenny Peck | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:30 OP 1st FORSAKEN (#2, 9-2) gets the nod. He is back with statebreds after representing himself well against open foes. -Mary Rampellini | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:53 LRL 4th Think this 71-day layoff will help refresh SWEET GRACIE (#2, 8-1) who earned her last victory following a 104-day break. Has some excuses for her last four starts with two coming on turf, and the other two against stakes competition. That 8/6 race might be a bit better than it looks as she bobbled at the start, then tried a three-wide bid when wired over an inside, speed-friendly track. She has enough tactical speed to stay close to the expected moderate pace, and wouldn't mind a wet track. -Dan Illman | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:55 TAM 4th NOTACATBUTACARD (#3, 10-1) was off the board in a route try last time but he does seem to be at his best going one turn; recent efforts resulted in Beyers that are below his usual figures but he had excuses in those losses, and he can surprise here given first run at expected speed AZTEC LEGEND. -Kenny Peck | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:23 LRL 5th ONE WAY FARRIOR (#4, 8-1) the field's lone three-time winner, looked good charging down $20,000 sellers last month. Outsprinted behind a fast pace while inside, he was on hold along the rail on the turn, cut the corner into the stretch, eased out with some work to do, then blasted by the leader to win going away. -Dan Illman | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:28 TAM 5th THE HONEYMAN (#5, 9-2) is a DRF Best Bet (Kenny Peck). | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:35 GP 6th HONESTO (#7, 20-1) is more than capable on this surface. She had a rough go of it in her most recent but still hung in there to beat over half the field home. Race flow is fine and Vasquez knows this horse well enough. Last chance for a good price? Second time this level can only help. -Scott Ehlers | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:47 AQU 7th MISS LAO (#8, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:55 OP 6th NEXT LEVEL (#6, 15-1) was Grade 1-placed last season at Del Mar. FOOTPRINT was fourth last out in the Gun Runner and note the winner of the race returned in his next start to account for the Lecomte at FG. -Mary Rampellini | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:40 TAM 9th MORNING EAGLE (#4, 10-1) adds blinkers for his 2nd career start and he has lots of room to take a step forward off that race, which set up best for the speeds, due to a lack of pace in that field; that theory was verified when two runners emerged from that race to win their next start, both of them closers like this colt, who were also against the race flow. -Kenny Peck | Bet this race with DRF Bets