DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, September 19, 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.

2:40 BAQ 4th EMPTY TOMB (#7, 5-1) dropped sharply on opening day of the Saratoga meet and wound up wiring a good field for that level going longer; might have had the track in his favor that day, but he has plenty of other races that make him tough in here, and he is at his best in one-turn routes. -Mike Beer

4:13 BAQ 7th HEATHGUARD (#9, 15-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer).

5:15 BAQ 9th SILENT DREAMER (#7, 5-1) is a homebred by top sire Into Mischief and is the first foal from top-class mare Celestine, who won the Grade 1 Just A Game over a mile with a 102 Beyer, and also won several other stakes on turf while going 8 for 18 on the surface; Clement excels with first time starters and this filly has pedigree. -Mike Beer

5:53 WO 3rd BRIDGE TO NOWHERE (#1, 15-1) had no pace to chase when making up a little ground to end up fourth in a longer starter/optional claimer last Thursday. She should have honest fractions to close behind this time and could hit the board as a longshot. -Ron Gierkink

6:40 CBY 2nd WAR RASCAL (#8, 9-2) won when second time on the grass when he beat special weights three back. He tied his Beyer two back and then beat half the field home in his most recent. This all makes perfect sense as he is bred to love two turns on the turf. Race flow is fine and we like this outside draw all for a barn that is 31% on the turf. -Scott Ehlers

7:49 WO 7th ONANDONANDON (#5, 4-1) won a similar event two weeks ago under apprentice Adams and could strike again if she gets the right stalking trip. She was understandably flat in an Aug. 1 starter/optional claimer on a sweltering day. -Ron Gierkink

8:40 CBY 6th SCREAM MACHINE (#11, 8-1) drops in class and runs for the leading barn. Current form is poor but this guy never got a breather last out and tried two turns on the turf before that. He draws outside main pace foes and gets in light with first call rider Carmona up. -Scott Ehlers

8:57 RP 4th CYBERTOWN (#6, 8-1) is back on dirt after hooking a quality kind of winner on turf and note his four career wins have come on the main track. -Mary Rampellini

10:24 RP 7th GOSPEL FABULOUS (#5, 5-1) is back on dirt and when last seen on the main track, she was stakes-placed at Will Rogers Downs. -Mary Rampellini |

11:22 RP 9th LIUZZA (#6, 6-1) invades from Kentucky, where she "caught" good ground in her turf debut. Perhaps she'll get firm turf this time around and will appreciate the footing. -Mary Rampellini