DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, January 21, 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.

12:50 AQU 1st LOVE THAT FACE (#2, 8-1) caught a wet track when dropped for the first time last October and she could not reach contention after chasing the early pace; has much to prove but she didn't get a particularly good trip when last on a fast dirt track at Saratoga (vs. a better field) and willing to give her one more chance at this level as she stretches out. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

1:05 GP 2nd MIDNIGHT WHISKEY (#4, 5-1) is going long for the first time with the pedigree of a miler, and could wire this group of $6.25K conditioned claimers at a square price. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race

1:20 AQU 2nd BLUNT FORCE (#6, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Get PPs for this race

1:35 GP 3rd WICKED MERCURY (#4, 5-1) is taking a two-race win streak into this wide open $50K starter, which included a victory over $35K NW2 stock here Dec. 11. She's worked twice in the interim and retains the barn's go-to jock Paco Lopez. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race

1:50 AQU 3rd FLEET IRISH (#7, 15-1) a closer in a race that is not lacking for early speed and he has the races to factor in this spot at a fair price; ran two goo races over this course and distance last winter vs. better horses and has actually held that form since starting back last summer, especially when racing over fast dirt; needs a trip but this is an open race with some shorter prices that are not easy to trust. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

2:38 GP 5th KING ANGELO (#3, 9-2) nearly wired the field going seven-eighths at first asking vs. NY-breds on the dirt at Aqueduct Dec. 20. The son of excellent grass sire Lemon Drop Kid is out of a versatile mare who produced four turf winners from as many starters. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race

5:13 GP 10th BEE CATCHER (#3, 7-2) is a DRF Best Bet (Ron Gierkink). | Get PPs for this race