DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, April 9, 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.

Post Time: 12:50 ET
Track: Gulfstream (1st Race)
Horse: TIZ TROUBLE (#7, 10-1)
TIZ TROUBLE (#7, 10-1) is by a 16% debut sire and a 17% debut turf sire. His dam went 4-1-0-0 for 32K (3-1-0-0 on the sod). Lone sibling is 9-0-3-1 and banked 26K (1-0-0-0 on the turf). Turf and distance Tomlinsons of 337/370 hint at route ability. Perhaps this is a good spot for a fresh face. URGENCY is just better on the green. That was a Beyer top in his most recent. Race flow is more than fair for this closer. -Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race

Post Time: 1:20 ET
Track: Gulfstream (2nd Race)
Horse: MYWIFEKNOWSITALL (#7, 6-1)
MYWIFEKNOWSITALL (#7, 6-1) jumped a shadow just before the layoff and finished 5th ending a string of very good races. She returned off the long layoff and pushed a fast pace only to tire. Notice that connections keep this mare at a level where she can't be claimed. This barn is 1 for 1 2nd off a long layoff. Win rider returns and we like this outside post. -Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race

Post Time: 1:32 ET
Track: Keeneland (2nd Race)
Horse: SAFE SPACE (#2, 6-1)
SAFE SPACE (#2, 6-1) a homebred by a stud with a listed $7.5K fee - if she's all right but nothing spectacular, debuting for this $20K tag makes sense. The trainer for whatever reason (randomness is one possibility) has won with three of his last five first-timers. -Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race

Post Time: 2:04 ET
Track: Keeneland (3rd Race)
Horse: MOM'S CHEESECAKE (#3, 6-1)
MOM'S CHEESECAKE (#3, 6-1) won over 6 1/2f last fall at KEE, beating comparable competition in so doing, and there might be enough pace to set things up for her here at 6f. In any case, horses from off the pace did more than leaders during opening weekend dirt racing. -Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race

Post Time: 2:52 ET
Track: Oaklawn (3rd Race)
Horse: MIDNIGHT MAJESTY (#11, 5-1)
MIDNIGHT MAJESTY (#11, 5-1) has run some races that would make her tough to handle in this spot. -Mary Rampellini | Get Past Performances for this race

Post Time: 3:16 ET
Track: Aqueduct (5th Race)
Horse: BRAVE BEAR (#2, 6-1)
Had some interest in both Fernando Abreu claims, ultimately giving preference to the bigger price BRAVE BEAR (#2, 6-1); this horse's recent form doesn't represent his ability, as he was in over his head at the starter allowance level two and three back; then last time he proved he wants no part of sprinting; finally stretches back out to the right distance at an appropriate level; should also be able to attain his preferred forward position here. -David Aragona | Get Past Performances for this race

Post Time: 3:48 ET
Track: Aqueduct (6th Race)
Horse: REMIS MOON (#3, 6-1)
REMI'S MOON (#3, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (David Aragona). | Get Past Performances for this race

Post Time: 4:39 ET
Track: Turf Paradise (4th Race)
Horse: CHELSIESDANZIGLITE (#5, 8-1)
CHELSIESDANZIGLITE (#5, 8-1) has some speed and finds a good spot to use it. Added half furlong actually helps front end plans. This gelding puts three races together and lures the leading rider. -Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race

Post Time: 5:16 ET
Track: Keeneland (9th Race)
Horse: FORMAGGIO (#1, 15-1)
On again, off again FORMAGGIO (#1, 15-1) might not have cared for a wet track in her last start - though three races ago she backed up on a fast track. She's got early speed and the rail and drops down to her lowest level - those characteristics and Irad Ortiz taking the mount figure to make her far lower than the 15-1 morning-line odds. -Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race

Post Time: 5:37 ET
Track: Turf Paradise (6th Race)
Horse: SHARI'S MAGIC (#2, 5-1)
SHARI'S MAGIC (#2, 5-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers). | Get Past Performances for this race

Post Time: 6:40 ET
Track: Turf Paradise (8th Race)
Horse: CROSSBONE (#5, 10-1
CROSSBONE (#5, 10-1) is by a 24% debut sire. His dam went 8-1-0-1 and earned 8K. Of 7 sibs to race, 6 won and 5 earned at least 60K. Works are solid while team Gibson are 2 for 7 with their debut maidens. -Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race