DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Wednesday, April 1, 2020
With most other North American sports being shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, we hope the sport of horse racing can entertain you during these trying times. 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.
1:00 TAM 2nd AMERICAN DRIVEN (#3, 9-2) was taken off the pace in that last one and that cost him, as he was unable to catch up with the winner, who enjoyed a forward trip, an edge given the relative lack of speed in the field; expecting him to use his early speed this time around, as this is another race that's not loaded with pace, and he can steal this if able to get clear in the opening stages. -Kenny Peck
1:30 TAM 3rd ESOR (#10, 8-1) lost his best chance at the start of his debut, getting away slowly, but he returned to run a solid race for the place in his latest, unable to get to the heavy favorite but finishing well clear of the others; now adds blinkers and perhaps will show more speed as a result in his third career start. Also using THREE OLIVEZ (#6, 5-1). -Kenny Peck
2:30 TAM 5th ONE FINE RIDE (#5, 8-1) failed at short prices in each of his last two starts, both at Tampa, but he was against the race flow each time, racing well off the leader and eventual winner in a paceless race last time and close-up to the speeds two back in a sprint which ultimately set up well for the stone closers; back to a sprint for this, and trainer Jose Delgado wins at a solid 25% across the board, including with turnbacks. -Kenny Peck
3:15 WRD 3rd COVINGTON QUALITY (#3, 7-2) is a 6yo but he really only found himself last year at 5. Off since Dec. 6 but past performance suggests he runs well fresh & the encouraging work pattern says he’s ready for this 2020 debut. On paper, he gets a great setup closing into a fast, contested pace. – Marcus Hersh
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3:30 TAM 7th FIVE STAR COLONEL (#5, 12-1) is kin to only one other starter, maiden winner Lion's Wager, and his dam also won only one race, but this gelding shows breezes that strongly hint that he has some speed; board will tell more but he should be considered a threat given any kind of action. -Kenny Peck
3:45 WRD 4th TIC TOC TOCCET (#1, 9-2) back on dirt, his preferred surface, and back to WRD, easily his favorite track; 5-8 wins at WRD, 2-15 elsewhere. Freshened since last. Should get pace help up front that makes things easier for him. – Marcus Hersh
5:45 WRD 8th MY PASSWORD (#8, 12-1) had a tough trip facing much better in sprint debut and failed to stay the two turns in his second out. Freshened, dropped in class, mildly encouraging local drills for barn having a big meet. – Marcus Hersh
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5:45 WRD 8th OUR LIZZY LOU (#9, 5-1) gets an opportunity to race with straight 3-year-olds after facing older rivals in her two starts at Oaklawn Park and note in both of those races she caught wet tracks. She would seem better-served with a fast strip. As for the cutback to one turn, she's done her best work to date at the configuration. -Mary Rampellini
6:15 WRD 9th BLUE BOMBER (#3, 7-2) is a 9-year-old who has gone 3-for-4 so far this year. The victories all came at a distance similar to this one, and suspect his tactical speed and useful post will serve him well against these. -Mary Rampellini
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