DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, December 31, 2020
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.
12:54 LRL 2nd: Believe that BIG DADDY BUZZ (#3, 7-2) will appreciate stretching out to a mile for the first time after some even performances out of town. Loosely tracked the leaders from in between horses last time out at Parx, seemed outpaced on the turn, but re-rallied slightly for a minor slice. Sire wins 24% with dirt routers compared to 17% with dirt sprinters while the dam grabbed the Maryland Million Distaff Starter Handicap over course and trip. Perhaps a bit more tactical speed here with blinkers on. - Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race
1:20 AQU 2nd: HONEY MONEY (#3,7-2) is a DRF Best Bet - Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race
1:53 LRL 4th: FAST CASH (#6, 5-2) is a DRF Best Bet - Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race
2:05 GP 5th: CANDY CRUSHEM (#5, 5-1) got away slowly going 7fs at this level here last time out Dec. 3 and was unable to get involved. He moves to a longer trip that may play better for him and a super work Dec. 20 says he's doing well. - Michael Hammersly | Get PPs for this race
2:48 AQU 5th: FIRE SWORD (#2, 7-2) had good speed in his debut at Keeneland back in October, where he left favored Charley Five O behind in the stretch while pulling away to a clear-cut win - Charley Five O would return to win his next start in NY with a 76 Beyer; stretches out to seven after more than two months away but they have him to catch. - Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race
3:30 SA 1st: First post 12:30, and a deep field of Cal-bred fillies and mares race six furlongs out of Santa Anita's new turf chute. SWEET RAFAELA (#7, 3-1) has been knocking on the door at this condition, second and third at a shorter distance on this course during the autumn meet, followed by a modest third on dirt. Her best recent races are turf, her pressing style should lead to a cozy trip just off the speed. - Brad Free | Get PPs for this race
3:53 LRL 8th: ESCAPE FUND (#5, 4-1) didn't have a good trip going three-quarters here last month. She broke slowly, rushed up to prompt a slow pace while several paths off the rail and understandably tired in the final three-sixteenths. The winner of that race is in very sharp form as she returned to win her fourth consecutive start with an 80 Beyer in a "two-other-than" optional claimer. Two back, Escape Fund was only beaten a neck by stakes-winner Maryanorginger. The addition of blinkers might have her closer to the pace given an alert start - Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race
4:11 GP 8th: NEW YORK GIRL (#1, 6-1) makes her first start in the U.S. after competing against some beasts in Ireland. Yes, she found those waters too deep but doesn't face that caliber here and has worked well for a trainer who's done well over the years with imports. A bullet work at PAY Dec. 17 says she's ready to go. | Get PPs for this race
4:18 AQU 8th: CRICK (#2, 4-1) has finished second in five of her 12 starts so far without winning, the most recent of those when just missing by a nose as the favorite; gets one more chance for Rudy, who is 16 for his last 37 first off the claim with maidens, 43%, $3.86 ROI, 14 for 28 on dirt in that sample ($4.34 ROI) - Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race
5:00 SA 4th: VAROMA (#2, 5-2) is a DRF Best Bet - Brad Free | Get PPs for this race
5:13 GP 10th: LAVI (#5, 4-1) is a DRF Best Bet - Michael Hammersly | Get PPs for this race
7:30 SA 9th: A solid runner-up debut by MCWHERTER (#11, 5-1) stamps the full sibling to graded winner Wildman Jack (entered in G3 on Friday) as the one to beat in this six and one-half furlong maiden turf sprint. MCWHERTER ran well racing five furlongs at Del Mar. His "slow start" was not a big deal, he established position within range, appeared uncomfortable negotiating the turn, angled out and finished with run while almost three lengths clear of third. Although the race has not been productive, MCWHERTER returned to work well, has speed for a forward position, and should improve second out. - Brad Free | Get PPs for this race