DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, May 9, 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.

12:25 PIM 1st ELLIE VICTORINA (#4, 9-2) faces a tougher group after just getting up to beat "non-three" sellers. Didn't break the best that day, but was fortunate that the leaders went pretty quick up front. Split horses on the turn, then somehow got the head bob while rallying nearest the inside. She's performed well at Pimlico, but needs some pace help as she doesn't have much early speed. -Dan Illman

12:56 PIM 2nd LOVE YOU MUCH (#3, 4-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Dan Illman).

3:07 BAQ 5th SILENT MELODY (#6, 4-1) did not get good trips in either of her first two starts while running better than it looks; used her speed going a mile in her final start as a 3yo and fought gamely right down to the end before getting run over by a sharp winner; dropped off the layoff last time but won that race under strong handling after sitting off the pace early; still has forward to go and Irad returns for her second start back. -Mike Beer

3:39 BAQ 6th OBRIGADA (#7, 5-1) was claimed out of a third straight win on dirt last summer, then had an excuse in her NY debut when stumbling badly at the start at Saratoga; bounced right back to win again in her next start; drops for her third start off the layoff after three straight starts vs. tougher horses. -Mike Beer

3:57 PIM 8th TINA TINA TINA (#4, 6-1) enters in good form after an okay try against weaker. Cleared to set a reasonable three-ply pace, then stayed on for the place along the rail. Lots of minor awards on her page, but perhaps new blinkers will allow her to reach her full potential in the first start for new connections. -Dan Illman

4:18 GP 7th NAUGHTY FAVORS (#6, 8-1) broke last in her most recent yet ran a Beyer top nonetheless. Now she drops into restricted foes from open claimers. She has tactical speed to help the trip and draws fine all for a barn that is 19% in both sprints and on the dirt. -Scott Ehlers

4:43 BAQ 8th DUNE ROAD (#10, 8-1) flashed some potential while scoring as the lone first-time starter in the field going a mile last December; hasn't been as effective in his two starts since, but he is bred to be a turf horse and switches surfaces for this after getting a little time off; needs a trip from the outside draw. -Mike Beer

4:50 GP 8th FREE SMOKE (#8, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers).