DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, August 15, 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.

1:49 SAR 2nd Back-classer CHESS MASTER (#7, 3-1) dropped to this level last summer and won convincingly over course and distance after a slow start; faced much tougher horses in his two starts off the claim before getting a break; returns for Abreu, who is 3 for his last 7 with non-maidens sprinting on turf off a layoff of six months or longer (43%, $3.03 ROI). Mike Beer

5:45 SAR 9th CHARLES J (#8, 8-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer).

6:04 DMR 3rd BRAND NEW DREAM (#4, 6-1) was well regarded enough a few months ago to face considerably tougher off a long layoff. That proved to be too much but she's been freshened and moves to a friendlier level with some good works in tow. – Michael Hammersly

6:19 SAR 10th STRICTLY TABOO (#4, 6-1) was gradually stretched out in distance as a 3yo without finding success, and she then got wired when turned back for her final start before the layoff; has been much improved in two starts this year, both over this course and distance; foregoes her available state-bred condition to face open allowance rivals as she looks for three in a row. – Mike Beer

7:37 DMR 6th BATTLE CRUISER (#5, 4-1) tried maiden claimers once in his four starts and that was the best race of his young career. He's back in for a tag here after a race over the track and has worked smartly since. He's teamed up once before with Hernandez and that was the aforementioned strong May 11 run for a tag at SA. He cost $300K so there were expectations from the start. All five sibs are winners including Our Super Freak (27-4-9-7, $464K, 1 SW, 12 SPs including 1 G2, 4 G3s). – Michael Hammersly

8:07 DMR 7th DORIE MILLER (#3, 9-2) ran on smartly in a race like this here July 25 to be a sharp 2nd at a hefty 36-1. Looking back those odds seem out of whack as she's held good form since the spring. And while she rallied from well back July 25 note some tactical shown in other starts so she's got some versatility. – Michael Hammersly