DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Sunday, July 19, 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.
12:20 GP 1st NOAHS PRIDE (#5, 4-1) just likes a shortened sprint at 4-1-2-0. He goes second out for new barn and they are 15% with their sprinters and 16% with their claimers. It seem we are missing something? We feel the need, the need for speed. Why can't this guy break sharp and find the front where he then laughs all the way to the bank? Stick 'em up. – Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race
1:20 MTH 2nd GIANT GROOVE (#4, 6-1) is kin to six winners, including Mello Groove and Groovy Surprise, a pair of runners for these same connection who each earned over $225K primarily running against statebred dirt sprinters; this gelding meets a seemingly average field for the class level yet may be overlooked some in the wagering. – Kenny Peck | Get Past Performances for this race
1:44 SAR 2nd MIZTY FOG (#11, 5-1) debuted for this tag last summer, where she came wide off the turn in tandem with the impressive winner of that race, before getting left behind as that one powered clear in the stretch; turns back and removes blinkers for the second start off the layoff, after trying to show speed from a tough post going longer last time in the new equipment. – Mike Beer | Get Past Performances for this race
2:30 CNL 5th KING OF THE ISLES (#5, 15-1) is not in for a $16,000 tag in this maiden claiming race, but the colt is nevertheless dropping in class after two dull efforts on dirt and switching from McPeek to the lesser known Bourne; that being said, the fact that a colt with this pedigree has not yet tried the turf is frankly mystifying, and no judgment can be made of him until he gets that chance; Irish-bred sire Mehmas has produced multiple graded stakes winners on the grass, while the British-bred dam Natural Beauty offers similarly overwhelming turf presence and produced Kentucky Downs graded stakes winner Bellum Justum; have to give this a try. – Patrick Moquin | Get Past Performances for this race
2:52 SAR 4th UBIQUE (#6, 5-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Get Past Performances for this race
3:05 GP 6th BENNY O (#2, 8-1) is by a 13% debut sire (all sire stats are for 2YO's only). Her dam went 15-2-3-1 and earned 86K. Three of six sibs won and all three beat winners (21K, 89K, and 112K (won 2YO debut)). This barn is 29% with their 2YO's. This filly didn't cost much so starting at this level seems appropriate. – Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race
4:07 MTH 7th REAL SENSATION (#5, 10-1) was well off the board in his last two races of 2025 but those are absolute throw-outs due to the adverse pace scenarios, and he's now back on his favorite strip, where he's posted three of his six career wins; layoff a slight concern but he should offer some value and he's worth a shot at the right price, as he fits here if he's ready. – Kenny Peck | Get Past Performances for this race
4:35 SAR 4:35 NATIONAL ARCHIVE (#3, 9-2) won a race going this trip as a 3yo, then tried a much tougher Grade 3 to no avail before getting a break; third off the layoff and stretching back out after an underrated effort last time when closing ground into a wickedly fast final fraction. – Mike Beer | Get Past Performances for this race
7:10 DMR 5th TRIBALISM (#4, 8-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Brad Free). | Get Past Performances for this race