DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, April 16, 2020
With most other North American sports being shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, we hope the sport of horse racing can entertain you during these trying times. 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.
1:34 p.m. Eastern Gulfstream Park 2nd race – Lime will be favored in the first 2-year-old maiden race of the year, but QUINOA TIFAH (#8, 9-2) also has been working nicely, according to the DRF Gulfstream Clocker Report. She figures to be a square price under speed-rider Jaramillo. – Ron Gierkink
2:35 p.m. Eastern Oaklawn Park 2nd race – NEVERBLINK (#5, 8-1) will be flying under the radar in this competitive $40,000 maiden-claiming sprint. His first race is a throwout and even though he weakened last time out, he showed markedly improved speed. He never got a breather in that race and now turns back from 6 1/2 furlongs to six. – Jim Dunleavy
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2:35 p.m. Eastern Oaklawn Park 2nd race – EXHORT (#8, 4-1) is a January foal making two high-percentage moves for trainer Doug O'Neill. He goes turf to dirt and adds blinkers, and the barn wins at an above average rate in both categories, according to statistics from Daily Racing Form. – Mary Rampellini
3:43 p.m. Eastern Gulfstream Park 6th race – LOOKIN AT ROSES (#6, 9-2) continues to hold his form nicely, does step up a notch off near miss last time. Stretch-running sort should catch plenty of pace to run down if this one unfolds as expected. – Mike Welsch
4:15 p.m. Gulfstream Park 7th race – HOLY MUCHACHO (#2, 7-2) back to his preferred surface after even showing in turf bow. Earned high marks winning diploma two back and with the running style to take advantage of what could be a contested pace. – Mike Welsch
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4:46 p.m. Eastern Gulfstream Park 8th race – DRAMA IN DIXIE (#8, 5-2) a first-time gelding and better yet first time for this low tag. Toss last when both overmatched and in some trouble on more than one occasion. Reunites with Tyler who guided him to sharp second-place effort behind King of Ran on Jan. 17. Latter has gone on to produce several sharp performances since that meeting, would likely be 3-5 with this group. – Mike Welsch
5:06 p.m. Eastern Oaklawn Park 7th race – CANADIAN GAME (#10, 4-1) started his career 1 for 18 but has now won three races in a row in game manner. Although, Charlie’sarchangel will be tough in this starter/optional claimer, Canadian Game offers better value and with another step forward can spring a minor upset. – Jim Dunleavy
5:38 p.m. Eastern Oaklawn Park 8th race – LETRUSKA (#5, 9-2), who in December defeated older male rivals in a restricted stakes at Gulfstream Park, moves back to dirt after making her turf debut. She has never lost on the main track. – Mary Rampellini
6:09 p.m. Eastern Oaklawn Park 9th race – MARKET KING (#2, 6-1) has the speed to hold his position from the rail and also has class appeal as one who has seen steeper. – Mary Rampellini
6:17 p.m. Eastern Gulstream Park 11th race – FRENCH QUARTER (#7, 5-2) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Welsch).
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