DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, September 18, 2025
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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.
Post Time: 1:45 ET
Track: Belmont at the Big A (2nd Race)
Horse: TOXIC GIRL (#2, 8-1)
TOXIC GIRL has never run a race as fast as the likely favorites in here, but she is getting back to what she seemingly does best, routing on dirt; has recently experimented with turf and turning back to sprint distances; actually some signs of improved form last time when staying on at 6F after losing some early position; now gets back to the right distance, and should be a fair price for lower profile connections. -David Aragona | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 2:45 ET
Track: Belmont at the Big A (4th Race)
Horse: FELTRINELLI (#3, 6-1)
Have some interest in FELTRINELLI returning from a lengthy layoff in this spot; ran pretty well against some tough company when he first got on turf as a younger horse, even picking up a stakes placing over this course and distance; things obviously went awry in the summer of 2024, and he hasn't been seen since; yet he now returns as a new gelding for George Weaver, who has strong layoff stats. -David Aragona | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 3:15 ET
Track: Belmont at the Big A (5th Race)
Horse: VEKOMA (#6, 6-1)
While a couple of those with experience have earned decent Beyers, still think this is a race to consider first time starters; VEKOMA VIEW debuts for George Weaver, who is 6 for 30 (20%, $2.66 ROI) with 2YO first time starters in turf routes over 5 years; half-sister to turf route winner Cliffs has plenty of pedigree for this surface, and appeared to work well in Saratoga this summer. -David Aragona | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 6:36 ET
Track: Woodbine (3rd Race)
Horse: PROFESSOR RELOAD (#2, 8-1)
PROFESSOR RELOAD checked in third despite his rider losing his irons along the way when dropping to $10K most recently, when a claim on him was voided. Walcott takes over for this $15K contest and the chestnut has worked thrice leading up to this engagement. -Ron Gierkink | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 6:40 ET
Track: Canterbury (4th Race)
Horse: BROTHER EVAN (#8, 12-1)
BROTHER EVAN is by a 14% debut turf sire. His dam went 1-0-0-0 on the green. Four sibs tried the grass in the United States and two won. The two that didn't win have a combined turf record of 8-0-1-3 which is decent. The two winners went 2-1-1-0 for 43K and 11-3-1-1 for 205K. The other sib raced in France and is 4-0-1-0 for 15K. This colt should love the grass and figures a big price. -Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 7:08 ET
Track: Woodbine (4th Race)
Horse: APRIL DE VELP (#3, 8-1)
APRIL DE VELP was uncharacteristically vying for the lead last time before fading to fourth when going seven-eighths. She won both of her races from off the pace in shorter sprints at the meet and should be effective using that style in this six-furlong starter/optional claimer. -Ron Gierkink | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 8:10 ET
Track: Canterbury (7th Race)
Horse: TWOKO BAY (#5, 9-2)
TWOKO BAY is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers). | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 8:37 ET
Track: Woodbine (7th Race)
Horse: STRIKE A NOTE (#10, 12-1)
STRIKE A NOTE could wake up as a longshot while dropping off a slow-starting seventh in her opening race. Her trainer has solid numbers with maiden second-timers and the capable Walcott picks up the mount. -Ron Gierkink | Get Past Performances for this race
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