DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Sunday, January 4, 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: 12:20 ET
Track: Gulfstream (1st Race)
Horse: TYBEE ECHO (#4, 10-1)
Looking at some of the new faces dropping into the category for the first time starting with TYBEE ECHO who figures to improve off his debut on the main track and is a half to a couple of previous turf winners. Appears to have lured Rajiv off Ganador for the occasion. – Mike Welsch | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 12:40 ET
Track: Aqueduct (1st Race)
Horse: COMPLEX CHARLIE (#2, 10-1)
Solid-looking group of newly turned 3-year-old maidens will all get Lasix for the first time. COMPLEX CHARLIE broke slowly from the gate, then spent a lot of time racing held up behind horses, before moving clear for the stretch drive and racing on gamely without threat in a useful debut on a wet track; backed up by some pedigree, and can improve quickly with that experience behind him. – Mike Beer | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 1:02 ET
Track: Tampa Bay Downs (2nd Race)
Horse: NEW CENTSATION (#5, 10-1)
NEW CENTSATION may just be that horse who always shows enough of a flash of ability at big prices to keep a handicapper hooked but she certainly ran well enough in defeat last time to yet again warrant a look, especially against this seemingly average field; lack of early zip a big reason she's yet to hit the board but perhaps if she gets enough help up front she can make a late impact at this extended distance. – Kenny Peck | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 1:32 ET
Track: Tampa Bay Downs (3rd Race)
Horse: LACE UP (#5, 5-1)
LACE UP was off the board when last seen but he didn't have the easiest of trips there, pressing the pace from the start in a race loaded with speed, and which thus set up well for the closers (note the inverted "C" in DRF pp line, indicating a pronounced edge to Closers); doesn't necessarily need the lead, and that gives him some options. – Kenny Peck | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 1:38 ET
Track: Aqueduct (3rd Race)
Horse: PROJECTABILITY (#8, 9-2)
PROJECTABILITY is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 4:40 ET
Track: Tampa Bay Downs (9th Race)
Horse: CONSULTANT (#4, 20-1)
CONSULTANT was far back in his first try at Tampa at the meet but that was on the main track, and he clearly seems better suited for the turf; new trainer Steven Cahill claimed him from that start and gets him right back on the grass and this gelding can pay quick dividends if he can run to his best recent races on this surface. – Kenny Peck | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 4:55 ET
Track: Oaklawn (9th Race)
Horse: WAKUDA (#4, 7-2)
WAKUDA enters the Mockingbird in sharp form as she's won her last two starts, including a stakes at this six furlong distance. She might get a decent trip just off the speed. – Mary Rampellini | Get Past Performances for this race
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