DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Wednesday, August 17, 2022
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.
1:45 CNL 1st TOM HAGEN (#4, 8-1) improved from his comeback run two back following a year-plus layoff into his most recent start and easily could take another step forward third time back. He has form -- albeit very stale -- suggesting that's possible and he has the capability to win at this level. -Marcus Hersh | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:55 SAR 6th MARITIME WINGS (#5, 6-1) arrived with solid form from Ireland, where he came with a strong finish to win his debut and then settled for second in a pair of group races behind Point Lonsdale (4 for 6 lifetime, Group 1 placed; landed in a fast-paced sprint making his stateside debut, where he failed to land a blow behind the streaking Big Invasion; switched to Pletcher while making his first start in his available condition with Lasix and blinkers on. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:05 CNL 6th CIRCLE THE KID (#11, 20-1) bred top and bottom for grass and was entered for grass in his July 31 debut at Ellis Park, but got rained onto dirt, showed a touch of speed, and beat a hasty retreat to the rear. Did get in that debut run, however, and now gets his shot on grass with a $6K class drop and an interim breeze. -Marcus Hersh | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
5:05 SAR 8th SUNSET LOUISE (#4, 9-2) was scratched from a seven-furlong sprint last Saturday to await this slightly longer race; hasn't run a fast race yet, though her maiden score two back was much more impressive than it may appear while overcoming trouble at a couple of different points to win easily; had trouble at the start of that last one while off the layoff; makes her second start back looking to take a step forward. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
5:57 CNL 10th Over the last five years, trainer S Lyster has a record of 18-5-2-1-4 with horses coming back from layoffs between 100 and 200 days. That's pretty good! FORGOT PASSWORD (#6, 10-1) spotted realistically off that last-out, $30K maiden-claiming win back on March 24, and the move back to turf, based on the two previous grass runs, could be a good thing. -Marcus Hersh | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
6:12 CBY 1st STAGECOACH BOYS (#7, 5-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers) | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
6:13 SAR 10th GO BIG GREEN (#5, 6-1) was conservatively ridden after a bump at the start, and she put in a solid finish to no avail when last seen in early June; starts back dropping in to face claiming rivals for the first time and has more tactical speed than she showed in that last one. CAFE FLEUR went back-to-back over the all-weather in France to close out her 3yo campaign; drops and cuts way back in distance for top connections. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
6:42 CBY 2nd LOVER GIRL (#1, 9-2) is by a 10% debut sire (all sire stats are for 2YO's only). Her dam went 17-3-6-1 and earned 69K. Of 8 sibs to race, 6 won and all 6 beat winners (best banked 352K and won 2YO debut). Lots and lots of well spaced works with only knock this rail draw. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
7:12 CBY 3rd DANZIG STAR (#9, 9-2) is a new turf horse. She was stuck in the 11 hole in her most recent and was facing winners for the first time and all she did was finish 2nd beaten a half length. Second time with this jock can only help. Other speed is a small concern. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
8:12 CBY 5th GRAVES MILL ROAD (#1, 15-1) is the value in a very fun betting race. Rarely do we get a price on a Diodoro runner. This gelding has good turf breeding but even better distance breeding. We love his return try up in Canada. Class drop is just right and we like the Fuentes gets a leg up. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets