DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Sunday, May 15, 2022

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.

12:40 PIM 1st EXTRA MEDIUM (#8, 8-1) was the only one making up meaningful late ground in a slow-paced dirt sprint contested over a speed-friendly, sloppy track in first off the claim. Cracked the exacta in both turf starts over the circuit and was just behind sharp Justwaveandsmile (returned to win third straight when capturing a first-level allowance with a 78 Beyer) on Oct. 17. A two-turn route is a question mark for a gelding that has been mostly campaigned as a sprinter, but think he has enough pedigree and body type to last the mile. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:38 MTH 4th TWIN BRIDGES (#7, 5-1) is widest but could also be quickest from the gate, and those with some early zip figure to hold an edge in this abbreviated sprint, a race unusually short on speed; she made a mid-race run at the lead in her latest after racing just off the pace but she can be expected to be on the front end today, assuming a clean getaway. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:39 GP 2nd ASSERTIKO (#5, 6-1) took a step forward in his second start following a lengthy layoff and he could be tough to handle if he continues to progress. He went on the shelf following three straight victories while posting Beyer Speed Figures that stand out. He does not have to be as good as when he left to win this, though. -Randy Goulding | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:03 BEL 3rd KINGSTOWN (#8, 9-2) debuted for this tag early last month, where he ran better than it looks while showing good speed to contest a fast pace for a long way, only to tire in the stretch; moves outside. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:04 MTH 5th Lots of speed signed on for this route, and that should work to the advantage of horses capable of taking back and making a late bid, like BIG BASE (#7, 4-1) and OBSTINATE. The former was off the board in her last two-turn try, two back, but she had some traffic trouble on the turn there and galloped out late; the latter is quick enough to stay close from the start but she also has the ability to rate off the leaders and try to run them down late, and given that type of trip she'll be tough in the lane. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:32 BEL 4th CHULAINN (#6, 5-1) ran better than it looks with some trouble in his route debut at the end of his 2yo campaign, then steadily improved throughout his 2021 campaign after winning right off the bench; Motion brings then back ready from layoffs like this. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:35 LS 1st DONNELLY (#6, 12-1) got needed race experience in his debut and don't forget that two turns on the grass for any debut is very tough. This gelding's dam earned 72K on the green. Trainer stats are solid across the board while today's price will entice. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:03 BEL 5th HOOKY PLAYER (#1, 10-1) finished a distant third in his second start as a 2yo at Monmouth, with most of that margin accounted for by the blowout, front-running winner; dropped in for the price at Belmont for her final start of the year and was rated back from the start before gaining late ground without threat and just missing third; eligible to improve for a good layoff trainer. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:46 PIM 7th Although winless on turf, TIZ SUSAN ANN (#4, 9-2) has hit the board in 7 of 11 grass outings, and it was nice to see the improved speed in first for Farrior. Steadily tired in that race, but think she's more effective on synthetic and turf at this point in her career. Barn has three "second-off-the-claim" winners this month alone. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:56 WO 6th LUCKY CURLIN (#6, 8-1) has had lots of gaps in his career while displaying flashes of ability along the way that included a second in the last year's G3 Bold Venture where he gave the mighty Pink Lloyd a run for his money. He's tagged for $62.5K in this combination second-level allowance and optional claimer after ending up fifth in all three of his winter races over the Fair Grounds turf. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:03 MTH 9th FEAST (#1, 7-2) seems well spotted in his first start off the claim by trainer Jose Delgado, who wins at a high rate with such runners; he was very game in defeat when last seen, as he was caught up in a race-long duel with the favorite and weakened only late behind a pair of stalkers. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:08 BEL 7th LOVE AND THUNDER (#2, 9-2) has won just once from seven starts since arriving stateside while coming up short and settling for second another four times; was only second-best to High Opinion going this distance at Saratoga last summer, but she was unlucky in her two surrounding races; willing to give her a chance off the layoff if she is overlooked a bit in the wagering. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:27 WO 7th THERE'S NO JOE (#1, 8-1) had a productive 2021 campaign, during which he exceeded the Beyer par of 82 for this N1X level when taking an OS allowance in late August. He's been working right along and must overcome the tricky rail draw. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:27 GP 7th OCTOBER TIME (#3, 4-1) seems reasonably spotted in this $8K claimer for 3-year-old or 4-year-olds an upwards N2L after breaking his maiden for $12.5K in his latest. He was also coming off a layoff so he has a right to move forward and he is capable of stalking what should be an honest and contested pace. -Randy Goulding | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:33 LAD 2nd THISGUYCANFLY (#4, 9-2) is just better of late. He beat over half the field home in his most recent and that was facing first time winners. He likes two turns and goes for a small barn so you know he is getting all the attention. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:35 SA 2nd THIRSTY ALWAYS (#7, 4-1) lost a heartbreaker for this price here April 8, ending up 3rd beaten just a head. The 3yo was well regarded enough last year to get a bunch of stakes engagements (in fact, he won a stakes at PLN last summer). He may not be a stakes horse but that April 8 run shows he's still got game and he should get a nice trip either on the pace or stalking from this outside slot. It's worth noting that while he's in for the same price this time he faces open foes so it may be a tougher spot. -Michael Hammersly | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:59 WO 8th STRIKER (#4, 4-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Ron Gierkink). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

6:02 WO 10th STOLE THE RING (#6, 6-1) raced wide over an inside-biased track in her comeback before a dull sixth in another $25K contest. She could have these $15K maidens over a barrel with Carroll back in the saddle. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

6:22 LAD 6th DIABLO CAT (#5, 8-1) finished third when last seen on this dirt and did show speed that day. We think this 4YO is better now. He comes in fresh and that should sharpen his speed. There is little pace in this race. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

6:47 LS 10th TEXAS TRILOGY (#3, 9-2) has tried nothing but the turf going two turns in short career and we like that. Turf breeding is very good. This gelding gets back to state-breds and draws fine. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

7:20 SA 7th ROMAN CENTURIAN (#2, 4-1) cost $550K and looked like a real comer in early 2021, facing the likes of top-class runners Life Is Good, Medina Spirit and Hot Rod Charlie. He hasn't been seen in over 14 months but has been working steadily and it's most encouraging there's no big panicky drop for his return. -Michael Hammersly | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets