DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026

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 CAFE LA PAIX (#5, 8-1) drops to the bottom, switches to Tapeta, might benefit from all the sprint speed in this lineup shortening up to five furlongs off steady diet of long races. Taken to stalk, run down the leaders in opener. - Mike Welsch

1:50 GP 4th SNEAK PREVIEW (#4, 6-1) exits a much improved effort back at a mile and likely the best late threat in a field loaded with pace. - Mike Welsch

2:16 BEL 3rd A horse like JUST TIPSY (#3, 8-1) may slip through the cracks even in this small field given the presence of some key rivals with more obvious upside; despite his pedigree, have never gotten the sense that this horse wants to run a step beyond 6F, so like this cutback 3rd off the layoff; didn't run badly at all two back, and then was too keen going a mile last time; now takes the blinkers off and spotted appropriately to build on his decent 2YO form. - David Aragona

2:43 WO 4th EYES ON THE KING (#4, 5-1) flattened out late to third after setting a quick pace when returning from a 13-month layoff at this conditioned allowance/optional claiming class Sept. 20, a race he may have needed. He could lead all the way in this main turf mile with that tightener under his girth. - Ron Gierkink

3:08 KEE 5th STACKIN SATS (#4, 20-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Marcus Hersh).

3:16 WO 5th MAC GOWAN (#5, 6-1) is staying at the $15K non-two level off a flat fifth and a claim by a trainer with phenomenal numbers right off the halter switch--his latest score with that angle was with the dropping runaway winner Society's Kat in Thursday's nightcap. - Ron Gierkink

3:23 BEL 5th There are 3 fillies with experience who ran well at Saratoga, but have to question their upside as all come off disappointing losses at short prices; therefore, will instead focus on firsters; ZOMORODA (#7, 6-1) debuts for Brad Cox after selling for $335k at OBS April off a pretty impressive 10-flat workout where she displayed a turf-type action; new sire Corniche is off to a good start with his turf progeny, and the dam was a turf winner. - David Aragona

3:30 GP 7th GRAY ASTRAY (#6, 15-1) has been freshened since finishing up track with this same kind making turf bow several months earlier. Working smartly for the return, could get brave if getting loose on the lead ala easy maiden win last winter. - Mike Welsch

3:57 BEL 6th Have to imagine that MIKE'S MAGIC (#6, 5-1) is going to get a more aggressive ride than last time when he got rated out of the gate and was never in good position thereafter; got shuffled back into the far turn, and then seemed to get discouraged reacting to kickback into the lane; actually stayed on decently when he finally angled out late; does his best work up front and now switches to a more aggressive rider while getting some class relief. - David Aragona

4:44 KEE 8th Looks like TIME TO DAZZLE (#3, 8-1) has rounded back into her best form, and she ran into a very sharp winner last out at Kentucky Downs. Got a great setup winning the Franklin a year ago - but not worth nothing that she ran one of her best races over the fall KEE grass course. Not sure USHA will take her spot if the race stays on turf, but on dirt, she'd clearly be the most likely winner, and there's rain in the forecast. - Marcus Hersh

4:57 WO 8th MADELEINE SWANN (#3, 20-1) hasn't shown much on dirt and turf since landing her debut going short at Gulfstream, but the daughter of good synthetic sire Girvin has been working right along on the Tapeta. She appeared to be going better than King's Plate winner Luster in her Sept. 25 drill and they worked evenly together in a bullet :59 in another five-eighths breeze a week later. - Ron Gierkink

5:16 KEE 9th JOZEMPIC (#4, 8-1) first posted an official work in August 2025, and it has taken him a good long while to make the races. Finally on a sustained work pattern, and I was impressed with his breeze video. He trains powerfully and when allowed to stretch out here and there - he's often hard held - the horse looks like a runner. I expect him to show speed if he breaks. - Marcus Hersh

7:39 SA 8th PACER (#7, 6-1) will race as a gelding for the first time in this $12,500 claimer for nonwinners of two at a mile on dirt after a disappointing last-place finish of eight in a starter allowance at a mile on turf at Del Mar on Aug. 29, his first start on grass. Pacer has finished first twice, but was disqualified and placed second in June at Los Al for causing interference in a $16,000 claimer for nonwinners of two. In this modest field, Pacer should be effective as a stalker from post 7 of 10. - Steve Andersen