DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, June 13, 2024

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.

1:54 GP 3rd TAP GOLD (#4, 4-1) was in for a double nickel before the layoff and lost as the favorite. He was claimed but said claim was voided. Off a multi year layoff, this gelding returned a winner and has now run well in three of four starts. This horse was sent off at 18-1 in his most recent and never got a breather but still managed an 86 Beyer. There is a ton of speed in this race but someone is going to sit back and take advantage and that someone is this guy. Plus, the cut back to a sprint will help with the trip. -Scott Ehlers

3:51 GP 7th COUSIN KRISTI (#3, 8-1) just ran much better and recorded a Beyer top. Some will think a regression or bounce is in the cards but this mare has two fast works since her most recent. She tries the synth for the first time but maybe that actually help the price. Versatile style is a plus and there really isn't that much pace in this race especially at this level. -Scott Ehlers

4:00 SA 1st DR RUBEN M (#7, 5-2) is a DRF Best Bet (Brad Free).

6:17 WO 4th VRANA (#7, 15-1), by one of the world's top turf sires, Lope de Vega, is the first foal from a stakes-placed grasser in France. Her two Tapeta races here last year were poor, but she might wake up in this easier hybrid turf sprint for Ontario-sired and $40K maidens with the addition of blinkers and Lasix. -Ron Gierkink

6:46 WO 5th SECRET LOAD (#3, 6-1) closed three-wide for third when debuting over 5 1/2 furlongs vs. $25K maidens. She's worked fast twice in the interim and could benefit from the move out to 6 1/2 furlongs with the live bug Moran back in the saddle. -Ron Gierkink

7:15 WO 6th MAURYA (#4, 12-1) faded to fifth after stalking a slow pace when debuting here on the Tapeta after shipping in from Turfway. The daughter of elite sire Uncle Mo is strongly bred for turf on the dam's side and could put it all together for a successful turf sprint trainer. -Ron Gierkink

7:44 WO 7th JILL (#4, 6-1) never fired in either of her allowance/optional-claiming starts this spring on the Tapeta. She's plunging in class to compete for $15K in this optional starter and was successful going five-eighths over the inner turf last year under hot turf rider Wilson. -Ron Gierkink