DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, October 31, 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 LRL 1st Is CORA'S CHOICE (#3, 20-1) better on the grass? Her last two turf starts were Beyer tops (tied) and they came here going this distance. What if this filly is better now? Those tries 2 and 4 back were encouraging. Both siblings won on the grass with the best earning 84K. This filly puts three races together and could offer some value in this spot. -Scott Ehlers

12:40 BAQ 1st MAJESTIC ARC (#5, 6-1) had a couple of excuses prior to getting a brief break earlier this year then improved upon his return and posted a maiden victory with a 62 Beyer when able to get to the lead over a wet track; backed that effort up well in his next start when finishing a weakening fourth at a big price over a mile; got in too tough when last seen at Monmouth; drops for the return. -Mike Beer

1:32 LRL 3rd DIGITAL TRADE (#2, 10-1) is bred to like two turns on the turf with Tomlinsons of 337 and 357. Her turf debut came at GP and she got a solid fig of 62. She won her second start and did so off a layoff at Colonial. She returns off a layoff but we already know she can handle it. New turf horse could be a decent price. -Scott Ehlers

2:45 BAQ 5th HAVE A HAPPY (#1, 30-1) ran better than the figure suggests in the career debut when carrying a long run up to contention before being fought off late; chased a dominant front-running winner to no avail in her second start, and has run twice on turf since; class relief for the return to dirt and might be better than she looks at a price. -Mike Beer

3:37 LRL 7th WAR MASTER (#7, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers).

5:48 WO 3rd POETIC AMY (#4, 10-1) rallied for third the last time she competed on the inner turf three back at this level and subsequently finished on the fringes twice, including in a minor stakes. She has lots of speed to chase here under Longshot Leo. -Ron Gierkink

6:17 WO 4th ZONING ORDER (#4, 10-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Ron Gierkink).

6:46 WO 5th GENEVA (#3, 4-1) won her last two outings vs. maidens and NW2 opposition, both going 7 1/2 furlongs on the inner turf, and could keep her roll going against NW3 types here. Her last race contained two next-out winners. -Ron Gierkink

7:35 DMR 9th Third last out at this N3L claiming level, DEVIL AMONG US (#3, 4-1) can score first off the claim following a better-than-looked effort. The one-two finishers rallied from the back; DEVIL AMONG US held best of the speed. He can tuck into a cozy trip positioned second behind the speedster to his inside, and get first run. -Brad Free