DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, January 15, 2026
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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.
Post Time: 1:20 ET
Track: Gulfstream (3rd Race)
Horse: TICKING (#7, 9-2)
Going on the theory the main track might still favor horses racing well off the rail as has been the case for much of the last two weeks. TICKING nicely posted while returning to dirt off series of decent showings on the Tapeta. Should sit a nice stalking/outside trip, good enough to run these down at his best. -Mike Welsch | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 1:45 ET
Track: Fair Grounds (1st Race)
Horse: SMART IZZY (#4, 4-1)
At the risk of being harsh, the trainer from whom SMART IZZY was claimed in his last start has a career Fair Grounds mark of 11-237. That's a 4% strike rate - not so hot. Previous connections last out sprint-prepped the horse, who hadn't raced in 10 weeks, for a return to route racing, which is her thing. If she comes anywhere close to her FG route form from last season, she wins. -Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 1:50 ET
Track: Gulfstream (4th Race)
Horse: SMOKIN JACK FLASH (#9, 8-1)
SMOKIN JACK FLASH drops to perhaps the right spot after series of tries with better. Exits key race from which two of the four others who've come out of the event returned to win at next asking. Ran wire to wire winner Gallant Knight to a two length decision while earning high marks over the surface three back. Has the speed to be with pace throughout if away alertly from outside. -Mike Welsch | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 2:20 ET
Track: Gulfstream (5th Race)
Horse: SWEET EMBER (#3, 6-1)
SWEET EMBER turned in solid effort in debut behind even money winner on the Tapeta, must prove she can transfer that form to the grass. -Mike Welsch | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 2:51 ET
Track: Gulfstream (6th Race)
Horse: SOUND OF THE BEAST (#7, 5-1)
SOUND OF THE BEAST is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Welsch). | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 3:10 ET
Track: Turf Paradise (3rd Race)
Horse: DISTANT FLEET (#4, 5-1)
DISTANT FLEET ran well going only 1,000 yards two, three, and four back. We actually think those races were a tad short. He ran evenly last out versus better and should be more acclimated today. -Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 3:10 ET
Track: Aqueduct (4th Race)
Horse: ARI'S MAGIC (#7, 7-2)
ARI'S MAGIC is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 3:30 ET
Track: Santa Anita (1st Race)
Horse: DONCIC (#5, 5-1)
All four turf wins by DONCIC were on the Santa Anita main oval; this $50k claiming sprint will be run over his favorite course. DONCIC makes his first start since October, and if he gets pace to flatter his rally he can mow then down. His top figures (Beyers upper 80s, low 90s) rank among the highest in this field. Comebacker CENTRAL DISPATCH returns from a layoff of more than a year, and will be positioned in front of the top choice turning for home. -Brad Free | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 4:05 ET
Track: Santa Anita (8th Race)
Horse: BIG CELEBRATION (#8, 7-2)
BIG CELEBRATION stretches back to a route, drops from $16k claiming to $8k, and can win this dirt mile with a forwardly placed trip. Her most recent win was over the SA dirt, at this distance. While she may have lost a step since that April upset, she has never faced a field this weak. -Brad Free | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 4:10 ET
Track: Turf Paradise (5th Race)
Horse: CURLIN'S LIL GAL (#7, 6-1)
CURLIN'S LIL GAL often runs great off a layoff so her recent win as the chalk makes perfect sense. Connections don't sweat a possible bounce as they find a spot where the claiming price almost doubles. We like this barn, post, and trip. -Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 4:45 ET
Track: Fair Grounds (7th Race)
Horse: ATTACHE (#1, 8-1)
ATTACHE is a DRF Best Bet (Marcus Hersh). | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 4:53 ET
Track: Gulfstream (10th Race)
Horse: SAN MARTIN (#10, 12-1)
SAN MARTIN may have just come up a little short returning from long vacation when dropped to the bottom and trying Tapeta for first time during the fall. Back on preferred surface for second start of current form cycle, class of field and too good for these with expected improvement. -Mike Welsch | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 5:55 ET
Track: Turfway (1st Race)
Horse: NEED A BIT OF LUCK (#3, 5-1)
NEED A BIT OF LUCK gets some pace to chase and draws more inside today. A poor start cost her off the layoff yet she still ran well and actually had the lead at the 1/8th pole before tiring. What if she moves forward off that effort? A recent work is fine as is second time this level. -Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 6:05 ET
Track: Turf Paradise (8th Race)
Horse: RYON'S CHANCE (#1, 10-1)
RYON'S CHANCE is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers). | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 6:55 ET
Track: Turfway (3rd Race)
Horse: JERSEYS PARADE (#9, 12-1)
JERSEYS PARADE is 3-1-2-0 here and 6-0-0-0 anywhere else. She has some speed as jumps a level which helps the price. Regular rider tags along and race flow is fine. Oh, this mare can stalk a nice trip if needed. -Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 7:25 ET
Track: Turfway (4th Race)
Horse: BOYS CODE (#4, 8-1)
BOYS CODE did run better two and three back and that was on different surfaces. He beat half the field home previously and that was his first start here. Win rider returns while new barn is 21% off the claim. -Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 8:55 ET
Track: Turfway (7th Race)
Horse: MISCHIEF MANIA (#11, 12-1)
MISCHIEF MANIA is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers). | Get Past Performances for this race
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