DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, February 9, 2023
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.
1:50 AQU 3rd CUPIDS GIRL (#4, 9-2) got needed class relief and easily broke out of the maiden ranks with a good finish last summer at Belmont; has come away second-best in four of her five starts since then, including that last one twelve days ago when no match for ship-in winner Glowsity (83 Beyer); might simply be in a better spot this time and her improved tactical speed could prove to be key in this race. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:09 GP 5th DEMOGORGON (#8, 9-2) is a DRF Best Bet (Marty McGee). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:20 AQU 4th Despite the figure, MSHINDI (#2, 5-1) made a pretty promising debut while forced to make an early run from last before easily taking over to win going away; made his final two starts as a juvenile in too tough vs. stakes rivals; starts back in the right kind of spot and might not get much credit for the solid debut effort. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:39 GP 6th Improved speed-show from ETRETAT (#7, 8-1) in his second start 1/13 perhaps a signal the gray gelding is now all set to do his best; outer post can help secure a forward spot in what's a well-matched bunch of state-bred MSWs to start off the late pick-4. -Marty McGee | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:57 TUP 2nd SPIRE (#2, 6-1) is bred to like the grass but did not show an affinity for it in his last two starts so back to the dirt we go. Notice that he didn't get much play in his last two starts when sent off at 8-1 and 17-1. We find it interesting that connections keep this guy in a route race. This gelding did face better on the dirt in Canada. The Rycroft barn are 2 for 3 when going turf to dirt. Regular rider tags along and this Kentucky bred draws fine. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:08 GP 7th Subpar 12/15 effort with the 50 BSF in her lone synth attempt is no true indicator for CROWDING OUT (#6, 6-1), who now returns to her preferred surface with that needed start under her belt; claimed by KJB out of a winning N2L claimer on closing day at Saratoga, she's now finally back in for the same $35k tag and another 'beaten' condition; reverting back to the 80-ish Beyer seems well within her capability. -Marty McGee | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:22 AQU 6th EMINENCY (#4, 5-1) came up just short in his first attempt at this level two back then failed to run as well last time behind a front-running winner; has struggled to win races but has been pretty consistent and keeps Franco for this off the Kantarmaci re-claim. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
5:35 TUP 7th FORT LANGLEY (#4, 5-1) simply went too fast in his most recent. He should return to his stalking ways today. He gets good race flow as the inside 3 all have zip. This Kentucky bred ran great on this sod only two back and did so from off the pace. Beaten favorite angle applies today. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets