DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, December 29, 2022
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 CAMI RACHELLE (#3, 4-1) (909 lbs. on 12/4; -1 from prior start; updated weights posted on simulcast feed during paddock and warmups) bested four of these earlier in the month. Broke sharp, then was shuffled behind horses back to midpack. Made a sharp move along the preferred inside footing to get into contention, squeezed through a narrow opening in between on the turn, then moved into second late. Seven furlongs a question mark, but she should get close to the pace. – Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race
1:25 LRL 3rd POLICE WOMAN (#1, 15-1) was outsprinted for the lead by speedy Laurel dropdown All Worked Up, tracked along the inside, then gave an even try for third in most recent start. She's shown speed in the past and figures to be forwardly-placed with an alert break. – Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race
1:46 AQU 3rd HATCH (#8, 5-1) stalked and gave way here Dec. 16 but that came in slop he apparently didn't enjoy. His 2 prior starts, both on dry land here, were solid. In fact, a return to that performance level would make him tough. Yes, his lone win came on synthetic going but as noted he's run well on dirt. – Michael Hammersly | Get PPs for this race
3:40 AQU 7th OCEAN’S RESERVE (#8, 15-1) set the pace in his first try vs. winners here Nov. 11 before tiring in the lane to end up 4th. Not only did he use fuel early and was facing winners, he was asked to go longer than he'd done before. While he has speed he's no need-the-lead type and today's return to 7fs may be key. – Michael Hammersly | Get PPs for this race
3:44 GP 8th SWEET ENOUGH (#3, 6-1) is interesting as a price. She did some good work in England and was well backed in her U.S. debut at KEE April 23. She was rank while stalking the pace that day and gave way to end up last of 10. But not only was that her first start in the U.S. and she was tough to manage, it was her first start in 6 months. After that came another layoff but they thought enough of her to try a G2 at WO Nov. 12. She found those waters too deep but gets some class relief here along with more ground and a return to turf, and it's nice to see there's not another layoff. – Michael Hammersly | Get PPs for this race
4:08 AQU 8th SIMPLE SUGAR (#9-2) is a DRF Best Bet (Michael Hammersly). | Get PPs for this race
4:14 GP 9th KESTENNA (#7, 8-1) hasn't done much in 3 U.S. starts after racing in England but all 3 came vs. tougher. She been freshened, gets some significant class relief and returns to synthetic. Her only 2 wins in England came on synthetic. – Michael Hammersly | Get PPs for this race