DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, April 23, 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.
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1:00 GP 1st LASKA (#10, 3-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Welsch).
1:34 GP 2nd CABRINA (#6, 5-2) turned in credible effort in debut despite being taken up, losing many lengths right from the start. Second and third finishers ran one-two coming out of the race here last weekend. Expect to see this one laying a lot closer from the outset with a sanitary break. -Mike Welsch
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2:35 OP 2nd FREEDOM HILL (#8, 9-2) fits a lot of high-percentage categories for trainer Robertino Diodoro, including first off the claim, blinkers on and moving route to sprint. -Mary Rampellini
3:11 GP 5th VALDOLOBO (#7, 7-2) hard to fault in his current form. Has again had his races spaced far apart but working forwardly, can handle the jump with repeat of last. -Mike Welsch
3:35 OP KENZOU'S RHYTHM (#9, 8-1) returns to the $12,500 starter allowance ranks off a troubled trip against the $25,000 claiming crowd and he's proven to be a strong fit at this level. He also goes for the barn of trainer Peter Eurton, whose local string is hitting on all cylinders at Oaklawn. -Mary Rampellini
4:06 OP 5th DEANO’S CAPE (#9, 6-1) lost a lot of ground before splitting a group of $50K FG maiden-claimers Feb. 9 that was significantly tougher than this $30K MCL. As for that class drop, he shows an $8K purchase price. Very encouraging three-work OP pattern since shipping in. – Marcus Hersh
4:36 OP EXULTATION (#10, 4-1) is another runner from the high-percentage local string of trainer Peter Eurton. This one has class appeal as he has faced steeper in each of his starts at the meet - and those races have gone in quick times. -Mary Rampellini
5:17 GP 9th OPRY (#3, 4-1) has worked very well since clearing the first allowance condition March 1, and could double up in this second-level optional claimer. --Ron Gierkink
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5:17 GP 9th AWARD WINNER (#8, 20-1) didn’t get to use his strongest attribute, his pace, in his most recent start, & suspect they’ll make sure he goes forward this time. Back out to 9 furlongs, where he had success in two tries last season. Should at least outrun his odds. – Marcus Hersh
5:17 GP 9th TEMPLE (#1, 3-1) continues to hold his form extremely well, rallied behind loose on lead favorite to just fail last time and well drawn on rail. Lots to like with hot rider taking the call. -Mike Welsch
6:09 OP 9th COPPER NICKEL (#9, 6-1) was significantly troubled in a sprint at this level here April 2 but kept to her task to be 4th at 84-1. That was also her first start in 4-plus months. Nice to see no drop and this longer game may be better for her. – Michael Hammersly