DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, July 29, 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.
1:10 WO 1st MOKSGMOL (#3, 9-2) appeared to dislike the blinkers that were added to her equipment in her last race, in which she drifted out and was eased. She’s dropping to the bottom NW3 level with blinkers off while being reunited with Sheena Ryan, was aboard for both of her victories. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
1:41 SAR 2nd HONOR UP (#8, 12-1) returned to turf for his last two starts at Belmont and was trying to rally sprinting to on avail; prefer him going longer and he has a couple of turf routes from early in his career - including one up here - that make him a nice fit vs. this field. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:36 WO 4th FOR MY ELBI (#6, 8-1) checked in fifth among two next-out winners when plunging to $15K in her season opener, her first start since getting claimed for $40K in November. She’s continuing her slide down the value ladder, and could finally break through here for a trainer who’s 1 for 7 second-time off the claim in the last five years. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:42 WO 6th CHERUBIC (#4, 8-1) wired $15K maidens the only time she competed on the inner turf Nov. 5. She came up empty in her comeback on the Tapeta, a race which could set her up for another wire job here against $10K NW2 opposition. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:55 SAR 6th EMPRESS TIGRESS (#4, 8-1) breezed a sharp 20.2 in April before going to top connections for $410k and she has the pedigree to go along with the look - unraced dam is a sister to two stakes winners on the grass, including Grade 3 winner and multiple Grade 1-placed Stays in Vegas); Thomas is more than capable with his firsttime starters. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
5:39 SAR 9th MY BOY TATE (#3, 7-2) can be a bit in and out - guess he was out last time when failing to fire in the slop at Parx without apparent excuse - but he had looked good winning his prior two starts, both in state-bred stakes; looked good winning the Hollie Hughes the last time he sprinted over a fast track; has run well at Saratoga every time despite not winning up here since breaking his maiden as a 3yo. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
6:00 DMR 3rd SO VERY SMART (#10, 8-1) was claimed for $50K by O’Neill when 5th at SA May 15 and they next tried turf, routing and straight maidens there June 4. All that proved too much to handle but she’s back to dirt, back to sprinting and back to her claimed level, all of which can add up to a significant move forward. She’s been working well. -Michael Hammersly | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
6:13 SAR 10th SATCH (#3, 12-1) a firster for underrated debut trainer Morley (first-time starter, turf, route, maiden claimer: 3 for his last 7, 43%, with the winners at odds of 8:1, 15:1, and 37:1); dam went 3 for 7 on the grass while winning a Grade 3, and she has already dropped a few runners including Grade 2 dirt winner Unchained Melody and Noble Pursuit, who won the first four turf starts of his career. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
8:00 DMR 7th GINJA (#7, 7-2) faces winners for the first time but usually once trainer Baffert gets his horses on the right track they tend to stay there. She’s run well at this trip and has the speed and versatility to flee this outside post and get a good trip. -Michael Hammersly | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
8:30 DMR 8th BRITTLE AND YOO (#8, 4-1) finished 3rd just behind STARSHIP SKY when they met at SA June 18 but may be well situated to turn the tables. She has the tactical speed and versatility to get a good trip and that was her first run in 3 months so she may be fitter and tougher. -Michael Hammersly | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets