DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Wednesday, August 20, 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: 1:57 ET
Track: Colonial (4th Race)
Horse: HASTEN (#10, 9-2)
HASTEN is DRF Best Bet. – Patrick Moquin | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 2:20 ET
Track: Saratoga (3rd Race)
Horse: MR. J. (#9, 8-1)
MR. J. was bumped back to last and was not rushed early in his debut sprinting on dirt; he had no chance with that dominant, blowout winner anyway, but he did put in a late run in that spot to just miss getting up for third; bred to handle both turf and added distance as he seeks improvement out of that useful first run - Mike Beer | Get Past Performances
Post Time: 3:26 ET
Track: Saratoga (5th Race)
Horse: ZEUS LIGHTNING (#5, 30-1)
ZEUS LIGHTNING is a DRF Best Bet – Mike Beer | Get Past Performances
Post Time: 5:07 ET
Track: Saratoga (8th Race)
Horse: SKY’S NOT FALLING (#8, 10-1)
SKY’S NOT FALLING is capable sprinting and routing but this might be his best distance, and he is a good gate horse with handy speed, which tends to give his rider options; logically spotted to make his third off the layoff after returning in a sprint on synthetic, and then getting in over his head in a Grade 2 last time. -Mike Beer | Get Past Performances
Post Time: 6:45 ET
Track: Canterbury (2nd Race)
Horse: LEMON SOHN (#1, 3-1)
LEMOND SOHN (#1, 3-1) is a DRF Best Bet – Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances
Post Time: 7:15 ET
Track: Canterbury (4th Race)
Horse: IT’S BOBS BUSINESS (#3, 9-2)
IT’S BOBS BUSINESS just needs some early encouragement from Santiago to find the front end and prove troublesome to run down. That try two back would fit nicely. Perhaps a good sod wasn't to this guy's liking last out but it does help the price today. For the third start in a row, this guy draws the 3 hole. If he goes off at 3-1 and wins then watch out. -Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances
Post Time: 9:15 ET
Track: Canterbury (7th Race)
Horse: MAGOO (#1, 9-2)
MAGOO was right there at the 1/8th pole in his return try and simply tired some late. He returns right on time and does so for team Mac who are 22% second off this type of layoff. This horse will be forwardly placed from the rail and that should mean a good trip. Jock switch to G Rod is another plus. -Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances