DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, April 4, 2024

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.

2:10 OP 2nd DANCIN ROCKET (#7, 9-2) shortens up a tad in distance and his natural speed should serve him well at this five and a half furlong trip. -Mary Rampellini | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:23 AQU 3rd Everyone in this field is hard to trust for different reasons; SKI COUNTRY (#6, 10-1) was on the upswing last summer in NJ; got claimed by sharp connections before going to the sidelines; Nevin had initially entered him in a tough N1X allowance on Gotham day before landing here instead; takes advantage of the claiming waiver, and is an interesting new face at a price. -David Aragona | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:28 AQU 5th MANGIA (#6, 10-1) didn't run that much worse than today's favorite when they met on Jan. 5; was then overmatched on Feb. 10, where she was off a step slowly and got rank on the backstretch, and last time she made a wide far turn move into a fast pace; a horse who contested the pace with her and faded to be 5th that day improved by 31 Beyer points to win next time; might be better than she looks on paper. -David Aragona | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:39 GP 6th LOVE APPEALS (#6, 5-2) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Welsch). | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:50 OP 5th SHEZA SHENANIGAN (#7, 5-1) is back at one turn, site of her best effort to date. -Mary Rampellini | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:09 GP 7th GO GO GE (#3, 8-1) continues to improve from a Beyer standpoint and looks loose on the lead once again today. Might be good enough to take another in present form despite the class jump to winners ranks. -Mike Welsch | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:32 AQU 7th JOEY FRESHWATER (#6, 5-1) is a DRF Best Bet (David Aragona). | Bet this race with DRF Bets

5:04 AQU 8th ROMANTIC CHARMER (#2, 6-1) didn't run any worse than today's favorite on debut, getting the tougher trip of the two; off slowly, he reacted badly to kickback early but still put in a solid finish despite greenly lugging in through the stretch; was more professional last time, but caught a tougher open company field; now drops back in against state-breds and might be ready to break through. -David Aragona | Bet this race with DRF Bets

5:58 OP 9th DR. WOODS MIRACLE (#11, 5-1) owns the field's best last-race Beyer Speed Figure. -Mary Rampellini | Bet this race with DRF Bets

6:44 TUP 6th RIVERSIDE (#8, 5-1) drops a notch in class and draws best as he returns to a sprint. This barn is 25% going route to sprint. This colt broke his maiden going this distance and did so only three back at Sunland. Go to rider gets a leg up in Arboleda who is 2 for 5 for this barn locally. This 4YO exits a key race where 2 of 5 returned to win with figs of 76 and 75. -Scott Ehlers | Bet this race with DRF Bets

7:13 TUP 7th FLY NIGHTLY (#6, 5-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers). | Bet this race with DRF Bets

7:42 TUP 8th CHRISTINA'S CANDY (#7, 5-1) is feeling good as she tries this dirt for the first time. She tries six furlongs for only the second time but her distance Tomlinson of 404 is encouraging. This filly has good speed but can stalk if needed. We love this outside post to press/crack the inside speed. An early breather is actually more likely with the added distance. -Scott Ehlers | Bet this race with DRF Bets