DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Sunday, May 16, 2021

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.

1:52 GP 3rd COMP'D (#1, 3-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Welsch). | Get PPs for this race

2:02 BEL 3rd VALUE CREATION (#1, 4-1) got bet for his dirt sprint debut three months ago but never put forth much of an effort and tired readily in the stretch; looked like he might have really needed that start and there is some turf in this pedigree; interesting in what might not be that strong of a field. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

2:22 GP 4th KLEON (#4, 6-1) dons a set of shades for new connections off the claim. Drops to bottom. Should fit with these. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race

2:31 BEL 4th COLORMEPAZZI (#1, 4-1) hasn't sprinted since the end of his 2yo year when taking a shot in a rich Stallion Series race to no avail; has earned some improved figures routing since then, but he doesn't finish in those races and might really appreciate this cut back in distance after getting hooked on a fast pace last time. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

2:52 GP 5th LIVIN AT THE BEACH (#6, 9-2) steps up in class but hard to fault in current form and could actually prove controlling speed in relatively pace less field after stalking :22 and :45 splits last time. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race

3:35 LS 1st SOLDIER BOY (#1, 4-1) is appealing for the fact that he exits a quick race at Oaklawn. He makes a rare turf appearance here and ran a decent race on the grass very early in his career. -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race

3:56 GP 7th RIVERCREST ROAD (#7, 8-1) brought a square price, $425K, at the yearling sales in 2018, has taken a long time to make the races but looks well prepped for bow having held own with older, more experienced and accomplished mates like Fighting Force and Fuego Caliente over PM sod. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race

4:00 SA 1st ASPEN SHADE (#5, 5-2) is a DRF Best Bet (Brad Free). | Get PPs for this race

4:32 GP 8th COWBOY AT HEART (#4, 10-1) shortens up in distance after losing best chance getting bumped at the break stretching to a mile off much improved maiden tally. Must run away early from My Mane Man, might not look back if loose again. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race

5:12 BEL 9th CATCH THAT PARTY (#1, 7-2) debuted sprinting on turf for a $40k tag last summer and battled on the pace from start to finish before narrowly prevailing with a solid 67 Beyer; back to a turf sprint for the first time since, and back to NY after showing speed routing on dirt last time; looks like a good spot. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

6:50 SA 6th BEYOND BRILLIANT (#5, 5-2) is ready to stretch out and win, though this MSW dirt mile is deeper than just the speed. 'BRILLIANT finished willingly in his runner-up debut, and was expected to win second out at odds-on. But he could not take the heat, and faded to third in a four-horse field. Both races were turf, he has worked exclusively on dirt since he entered training last fall. The fractions of this route figure to be significantly softer, if he is not on the lead then he will not be far away. -Brad Free | Get PPs for this race

7:22 SA 7th European import FANTAIL (#2, 3-1) has been working like she means business in her U.S. debut for trainer Richard Baltas and jockey Flavien Prat. The filly's form in Europe was only okay, but her workouts in California suggest she is a better filly. She posted bullet works on the main track and training track, and late last month was in company with G2 winner Masteroffoxhounds. -Brad Free | Get PPs for this race

7:54 SA 8th JAN'S RESERVE (#2, 7-2) did well to split the field last out after stumbling at the break to be away last. He actually ran well. His runner-up finish here two starts back, at this seven-furlong trip, would be probably be enough to win this. His Beyer Figure came back light, but he lost significant ground through the turn and ran better than the number. -Brad Free | Get PPs for this race