DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, December 16, 2021
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.
12:25 LRL 1st RISING PERRY (#4, 9-2) is still a maiden on dirt, but never stopped trying when a game second in recent off-turf heat. Pressed the winner's reasonable pace, seemed outpaced a bit, but kept coming all the way down to the line. Think he'll appreciate this slightly-longer trip as he takes class hike. Gomez lands here instead of Stay In (1,145 lbs. on Nov. 19). -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
12:50 AQU 1st SWEET MARY LOU's (#1, 8-1) two dirt starts so far came early on vs. MSW rivals and she was no factor either time; improved first time vs. maiden claimers off the layoff back in March, but that was on turf; returns from the layoff switching back to the main track for a trainer who is underrated overall and who is 1 for 6 off the claim on dirt over the past three years - that win coming with a maiden claimer - with two others finishing 3rd in that sample at prices. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
12:54 LRL 2nd Taking it as a good sign that SHANGHAIED ASTORIA (#9, 12-1) was reclaimed by the Allen barn. Didn't do much when wired for the dime, but now drops to the bottom and might attempt one-run tactics with a solid pace expected up front. The last time he raced for this barn, he was a driving maiden winner at Pimlico. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
1:26 GP 3rd The first of a trio of two-turn synthetic races seems a bit tricky, though we'll give CURRENT SITUATION (#6, 4-1) the best chance when going turf-to-Tapeta while dropping slightly in class for her Ky. Derby-winning stable; third start in the form cycle of a 4yo who's shown occasional flashes of ability and deserves a close look on the surface switch. -Marty McGee | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:38 AQU 5th RUN CASPER RUN (#11, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:56 GP 6th Defaulting to the power of Todd when looking for KRYPTON (#9, 5-1) to make his presence felt at first asking; juggernaut stable was in full deployment mode last weekend when sending out Dean's List and Emmanuel to eye-catching debut scores; this Ky-bred also seems well-spotted when in for the required $50k tag and drawing the outer box vs. mostly Fla.-breds; tote more often than not tells the tale as to how live a Pletcher beginner like this one really is. -Marty McGee | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:22 LRL 9th MY SACRED PLACE (#8, 8-1) must be on his toes as he double-jumps in class after good-trip win. Prompted a hopeless 75 to 1 shot, took over at the five-sixteenths and was off to the races. Must overcome outside post with short run to the first turn, but has speed and that might allow him to grab forward position without losing too much ground.. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:32 GP 9th DEM A WONDER (#2, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Marty McGee). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
8:35 RP 2nd SINNER REJOICE (#2, 10-1) ran evenly in his debut and now goes sprint to route. Lone sibling is a multiple route winner of 19K. This barn is 2 for 5 on the stretch-out. They show a flat bet profit in routes and with their maiden claimers. Recent work is noted as is good post for route debut. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
9:59 RP 5th KNIGHT DISRUPTOR (#12, 6-1) got a contested pace to chase last out and won at 16-1. Guess what? He gets another fast pace today. Full furlong cut back helps the price as some will think this too short. Second time with new barn can only help. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets