DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, April 13, 2023
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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.
12:25 LRL 1st SPEIGHTS YOUR MIND (#5, 8-1) makes circuit debut after a less-than-ideal trip at Charles Town. Broke well in that sharp sprint, but was outrun to a three-wide stalking position while in between. Raced last and widest turning into the short stretch, then made up some late ground with a solid gallop out. Lightly-raced 3-year-old has some upside and acts like he'll appreciate the extra distance. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race
2:04 KEE 3rd Think there's a chance at a fast, taxing pace in this $30K maiden-claiming dirt route, and if that's right, the outside drawn horses who are dropping toward the back might have a chance. One of those is LOTSANDLOTSOFGOLD (#10, 6-1), whose figures facing stronger MSW foes in her first three starts already say she's fast enough to factor. -Marcus Hersh | Get PPs for this race
2:56 AQU 4th CHAYSENBRYN (#8, 5-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Get PPs for this race
3:28 AQU 5th TIMBUKTU (#9, 10-1) dropped to win his last start on turf in November; he's fine on dirt but this is his surface and he gets a positive trainer change for the return; shaped with potential early on and is not in over his head vs. this field. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race
3:50 LRL 8th MR. HUSTLE (#9, 4-1) just missed over course and distance last fall, then gave a good try in a two-turn mile. Prompted 5-1 shot Matta (finished third) from the outside in the latter race, eventually got the better of that foe, but was softened up enough to be outkicked by favored Anaconda (returned to run second in the Aqueduct Turf Sprint Championship with a 94 Beyer). Solid recent dirt form. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race
4:12 KEE 7th I HAD THAT ONE TOO (#5, 30-1) in her three career starts broke from the rail sprinting in her career debut, then had post 12 in a second-start sprint and post 12 in a third-out route. She has shown signs of being a decent horse and on pedigree ought to prefer dirt to synthetic. I don't see a lot to fear in this race and would be looking for a price such as she. -Marcus Hersh | Get PPs for this race
5:06 AQU 8th SLIPSTREAM (#9, 9-2) was impressive sprinting on turf as a 2yo before closing out that campaign with a solid effort going longer at the Breeders' Cup; started off last year with a strong stakes win at Keeneland but that campaign never got off the ground after his connections decided to take a shot at Ascot; went two turns off the bench last time and was staying on gamely in the stretch to no avail; cuts back for this with forward to go. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race
9:27 LS 5th WARRIOR'S MAP (#2, 6-1) might be a new route horse before anyone knows it. His mile try two back was quite good and he got a Beyer speed figure of 72. He draws inside and has some tactical speed to help his trip. He has won on this dirt before. This barn is 15% going sprint to route and show a flat bet profit. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race
10:51 LS 8th RANDELLO (#4, 4-1) has good speed and should be forwardly placed. He is more than capable at today's flat mile but has yet to try this dirt. This guy is often a good price. He draws fine and we like Diaz up. Main pace foe might be the rail runner. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race
11:19 LS 9th LEXINGTON DIVA (#8, 12-1) tried the turf for the first time two back and actually ran OK when beating half the field home. Her recent dirt sprint was decent at 13-1. Her turf Tomlinson of 333 is rock solid and we like how connections want the turf where they are 14%. Jock switch to Barandela is noted (22% with this barn). -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race