DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026

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 BEL 1st Have already been turned off by a few fillies in this opener, so why not try the least exposed option? FLYING HAWLEY (#3, 8-1) had a right to need both of her first two starts; was seemingly just put out for experience on debut; then missed some time heading into her 2nd start; actually ran deceptively well off that layoff; chasing wide on the turn before flattening out; is bred to handle added distance and is out of a dam who improved through racing. - David Aragona | Get Past Performances for this race

2:04 KEE 3rd SURFIN' M (#2, 6-1) was pretty good over a one-turn mile last month returning from a short break at this class level, but the maiden three back came in a two-turn contest like this one. Can lead, can press, can stalk, can win at a fair price. - Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race

2:16 BEL 3rd Like the gradual progression for LUZ DE GUIA (#8, 12-1), who took advantage of a weak field when he broke his maiden in an off the turf race two back; looked totally overmatched when he stepped up to this level last time, but actually ran an underrated race, staying on to just miss 3rd after a difficult wide trip from the Wilson Chute; should appreciate the switch to Belmont, and lands in a race that features plenty of pace. -David Aragona | Get Past Performances for this race

2:36 KEE 4th IDES OF DEMARCH (#3, 10-1) comes from Iowa a fresh horse but with a recent drill, is at the right class level, and has the right style to get the right trip to win at the right price. Trainer went 7-2-1-1 last fall at KEE and in fall of '21 was 6-2-0-0. - Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race

3:08 KEE 5th I bet FAN'S CHOICE (#11, 20-1) actually has some early pace to him - it's just that he's been bad in the gate both starts. Maybe that's just him, but two lively works, the most recent from the gate, for this drop to his lowest level. Likely goes overlooked here. -Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race

3:47 WO 2nd INDIAN PEAK (#6, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Ron Gierkink). | Get Past Performances for this race

4:44 KEE 8th Just one work video up for first-timer PALESTRA (#2, 6-1), a compact type who I'd guess might have some speed. The video cuts off just after things really start to get interesting over at the 6f pole, her rider asking for some very late-in-work speed and getting a quick response. Slim evidence, but I'll lean on it. - Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race

5:24 WO 5th CALL ME BOND (#5, 6-1) checked in fourth after a three-wide trip over an inside-biased Tapeta in his improved penultimate race. He rallied from off a fast pace for second behind the favorite most recently on the inner turf and seems poised to clear the non-two condition. - Ron Gierkink | Get Past Performances for this race

5:38 BEL 9th There isn't much pace in this conditioned claimer, and WHITBY (#10, 8-1) should have a chance to gradually work his way forward from this outside draw; sometimes gets outrun to the lead and discouraged, but this configuration at Belmont should suit him better than the Wilson Chute race at Saratoga last time; is capable of winning here on his best day. - David Aragona | Get Past Performances for this race

8:26 RP 3rd SILVER I AM (#3, 6-1) invades from SoCal where he showed some ability, including a couple good efforts at about this level. He was in too deep at DMR last time but that gives him a race after a layoff and that plus today's drop might prove key. - Michael Hammersly | Get Past Performances for this race

10:18 RP 7th LA LENGUA (#9, 6-1) hasn't run since just before Christmas but she was gone even longer a couple years ago and came back to fire big so she can fire off a long layoff. Of course, it's a bit troubling she has two very long layoffs on her docket and just the three starts. She drops for this return with plenty of works in tow. All three sibs are winners. Now or never? - Michael Hammersly | Get Past Performances for this race

10:46 RP 8th CITY OF ANGELS (#2, 6-1) is peaking as he comes off two nice efforts vs. claimers. Caldwell snatched him up last time here, has strong off-the-claim numbers and it's most encouraging he brings him back where he can't lose him to another claim. - Michael Hammersly | Get Past Performances for this race