DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Sunday, May 4, 2025

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.

1:13 LRL 3rd NOT SO HOLY (#6, 8-1) went to Charles Town in search of an easy check last time out, and though he managed to finish second, he had to overcome a nightmare trip to get there; typically a front-runner, he had a brutal start out of the gate and had to close from well back for the first time in his career; the fact that he earned a 53 Beyer doing something he had never done before is impressive and could point to further improvement as he returns to Laurel. – Patrick Moquin | Get PPs for this race

1:54 GP 3rd TAKECAREOFBUSINESS (#1, 4-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers). | Get PPs for this race

2:15 TAM 4th DYNAMIC ACTRESS (#1, 9-2) has been idle since late February but she's worked well in the interim; gets the hedge and should be able to use her proven early foot to her best advantage, as she could well be the dominant pacesetter in this lineup. – Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race

3:27 BAQ 6th ALDER's (#2, 12-1) lone turf start to date came last November at Churchill, and he ran well that day while only second-best after a wide trip; the winner of that race has since returning to place in stakes company with a 91 Beyer, and the third-place finisher won his return with an improved figure of his own; has handled all three surfaces and won't be compromised if this race comes off the grass. – Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

4:16 WO 7th YOUR VALENTINO (#5, 8-1) was freshened after a non-threatening sixth behind a next-out winner in a Feb. 7 starter/optional claimer on the dirt at Tampa. He can acquit himself well when fresh and should have a fitness advantage on most or all of his opposition. – Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race

4:24 BAQ 8th SPALIDAY (#9, 8-1) got in a good prep while facing a solid field at Tampa in March, and she came wide in that race as the 1-2 finishers both worked out clean runs down inside; strong kicker was getting better all the time as a 3yo, and she was not far behind her two stablemates, DYNAMIC PRICING and GRAYOSH, in the Grade 2 Lake Placid last summer at Saratoga; needs a trip but has forward to go and might be the best price of the three once again. – Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

4:53 BAQ 9th WORCESTER (#5, 8-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Get PPs for this race

6:08 SA 5th The fastest race by CHECK'S ON THE WAY (#4, 6-1) was his only start on Santa Anita dirt early this year. That was a win in a maiden-50 sprint. He ran okay subsequent starts on turf, including a win, but dirt seems his preferred surface. 'WAY has speed for a forwardly placed trip in this five and one-half furlong dash, and can wear down last-out maiden winners LETMEIN and WESTERN FREEDOM. – Brad Free | Get PPs for this race