DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, August 17, 2023
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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.
2:27 SAR 3rd BATTLE SCARS (#3, 8-1) tried gamely from the back but didn't quite have enough to kick on late going longer in that last one; running style puts him at a disadvantage, but he might get overlooked in the wagering and the horses likely to be forwardly placed in this spot hold no edge. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:00 SAR 4th V MART (#6, 9-2) was impressive winning on debut up here last summer over a wet track, then faced stakes rivals in three of his next four starts to no avail; turf to dirt and dropping for this after running well in his two most recent dirt starts. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:06 SAR 6th IMAGE OF QUALITY (#4, 8-1) was let go at a big price when winning his debut over the all-weather at Woodbine, but he did not luck into that win in any way while acting green and having to alter course a couple of times in the stretch before closing that race down; half to 11-time turf winner Mid Day Image is bred to handle this. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:39 SAR 7th ISOLA (#6, 8-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
5:52 WO 3rd THE NEW MAYBE (#2, 15-1) had worked okay prior to finishing a non-threatening sixth at first asking in a six-furlong maiden special. The son of Shaman Ghost is bred to run on and could make some noise at a fat price in this seven-furlong maiden special. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
6:22 WO 4th DANCIN' DEPUTY (#6, 15-1) dropped sharply to $15K when he hit the board for the first time last out, a third-place finish after a three-wide stalking trip. He's adding Lasix after a trainer switch in his first grass start, and his dam produced three turf winners, including this gelding's stakes-placed full-brother, Souper Success. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
6:52 WO 5th CHIPOTLE PEPPER (#2, 12-1) had worked impressively prior to her disappointing debut where she was pounded down to favoritism June 11. She's breezed four times in the interim and might welcome the surface switch to the turf, a surface which she's bred for. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
7:05 CBY 3rd RUNTODAY (#2, 6-1) tried a tough 6 1/2 furlongs off the layoff and then broke dead last. He tried for a half mile and then spit the bit. Now he drops in class and cuts back a half furlong to a more manageable distance. This colt showed real ability at Delta Downs last year and we think we see that version of him today. A recent bullet work bodes well, right? The leading rider gets a leg up and is 23% for this barn. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
7:21 WO 6th STARLIGHT RIDGE (#7, 10-1) ran second to a peaking Fedalia two back on the Tapeta before landing on the edges after getting herded in at the break most recently over a main turf labeled as good. She's picking up Munger for the move back to the main track and should be dangerous if she fires one of her better shots. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
8:00 DMR 7th Taking a shot with first-time turf comebacker COOL PAPA G (#1, 4-1) in this N1X turf sprint. He has not raced in a year and a half, never on turf, and never in California. But the 4yo posted a series of sharp works for his new trainer Librado Barocio, and there is plenty of pace to flatter his rally. He faced good company early in his career, and with only four starts he has room to improve as a first-time gelding. -Brad Free | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
8:05 CBY 5th WILD TIME (#8, 9-2) broke his maiden in only his second start and has now worked twice since. Connections find a logical spot and this colt draws best. Gallardo sticks with the other Mac Robertson runner but that makes sense. We actually like Wade up. A stalking trip off medium splits should make for a nice trip and at a possible decent price. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
8:35 CBY 6th SPEITFUL SAM (#1, 12-1) should offer some value even if hailing from a top tier barn. We think his return try was a simple prep for this. He ran for a half furlong and then called it a day. Plus, 6 1/2 furlongs isn't easy off any layoff. This horse has run well going two turns before and is bred to like the grass. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets