DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, July 24, 2025

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: 1:44 ET
Track: Saratoga (2nd Race)
Horse: SPUN (#5, 8-1)

SPUN Has been finding his way since debuting earlier this year in a tough MSW at AQU, where he was giving away experience to a pair of talented rivals; thought he ran much better than it may appear two back when conservatively ridden and left with way too much to do; understandable why they tried to stretch him out last time considering his damside pedigree, and he ran fine that day, as well, but like him turning back for this. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

Post Time: 3:25 ET
Track: Colonial Downs (10th Race)
Horse: BALLADO'S BEACH (#6, 5-1)

BALLADO'S BEACH is a DRF Best Bet (Patrick Moquin). | Get PPs for this race

Post Time: 3:55 ET
Track: Colonial Downs (11th Race)
Horse: BATTLING TIME (#3, 9-2)

BATTLING TIME returned from a layoff of more than a year at Laurel last time out, leading into the stretch before fading in a starter allowance; that was her turf debut, marking a massive shift after so much time off, but Russell is keeping her on the surface and she should have more wind in her this time around; the early lead might not be where she wants to be anyway. -Patrick Moquin | Get PPs for this race

Post Time: 5:44 ET
Track: Saratoga (9th Race)
Horse: FOUNTAIN LAKE (#2, 12-1)

FOUNTAIN LAKE has come to hand noticeably this year while using different running styles and handling both fast and wet dirt; sat last before finishing well behind Hypnus two back, then could not gain substantial ground in a pace-dominated race last time. He also showed that he can be effective if Seaz elects to get aggressive when wiring a field in the maiden win on Derby Day; steps up at a price needing to improve one more time. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

Post Time: 6:19 ET
Track: Saratoga (10th Race)
Horse: ROHAN (#3, 10-1)

ROHAN's win last October was pace-aided, though he had trouble in the turf route debut prior to that, and has also been trip-compromised in both starts so far this year; post 11 is no bargain, but he might be better than he looks, and he will be a price. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

Post Time: 7:10 ET
Track: Canterbury (3rd Race)
Horse: BRUCKNER (#6, 9-2)

BRUCKNER just ran better and did so second out for new barn and second time on this dirt. He adds 1 1/2 furlongs and we might like that more than anything. He has a nice even running style that often works great in an elongated sprint. If able to relax some early then race flow is more than fair as we spy some speed in here. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race

Post Time: 7:40 ET
Track: Canterbury (4th Race)
Horse: MARIAROSADELASERDA (#7, 6-1)

MARIAROSADELASERDA won't be that far off whomever finds the front end as there is little pace in this race. This filly found herself further off the pace than what she wants in her most recent but still rallied some to beat half the field home. Now she puts three races together and goes second time with Murray up. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race

Post Time: 9:10 ET
Track: Canterbury (7th Race)
Horse: SHIRLEY ANN'S GIRL (#3, 5-1)

SHIRLEY ANN'S GIRL broke last in her debut and was 23 lengths back at the first call yet rallied to lose by only 5 lengths. Then she showed speed in her second start and spit the bit. She tried the turf off the layoff something she had never tried before and did little. We think connections are using her first three starts to drop in class and steal a purse. We like that Rodriguez stays put. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race