DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Wednesday, March 25, 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.

12:40 TAM 1st CPL. DIONICIO (#7, 8-5) is widest but he may quickest from the gate, and if he's able to shake loose he may be able to control the pace on a loose lead; that scenario gives him the tactical advantage on his rivals, particularly main foe DONNIE BRASCO, who will be looking to come from off the pace, and that may be the only edge he needs to steal this opener on the lead. -Kenny Peck

1:00 GP 1st MAYITO (#10, 7-2) in new hands and certainly well spotted to earn diploma if able to work out a trip from his outside post. -Mike Welsch

1:15 TAM 2nd CONCERTOS APPEAL (#6, 8-1) posted her latest win over this strip, at this distance, and though that victory was nearly a year ago she was mostly turfing; last two were on the main track but she was overmatched at Ocala in her latest and she lost her best chance when she reared at the start two back. -Kenny Peck

2:15 TAM 4th THE CURT FOX (#6, 10-1) fits well enough based on his most recent turf figures and he also fits the race flow nicely, as there is a good amount of speed in this field and he has a solid late kick; he also figures to appreciate the drop in class, as he has been facing better since he got here from Presque Isle Downs in December. Also using ASTUTE WARRIOR (#5, 5-2), another who stands to benefit from the expected race flow, and QUALITY STEP (#7, 5-1), who has steady Beyers tactical speed. -Kenny Peck

2:46 TAM 5th TOWN CLASSIC (#4, 5-2) is clearly a threat today on the turnback to seven furlongs, having won at this distance two back and coming off a game effort going longer in his latest; positional speed should mean he's well spotted behind the speeds from the start and given quick fractions -- such as the splits he received two back, when he scored easily and posted a 95 Beyer -- he figures to be coming at the speeds in the lane. Using him with GENERAL PADDY (#7, 6-1), who also cuts back from two turns. Unlike the top pick he has been exclusively routing and has never tried this distance but he does have the ability to stay close in the opening stages and he, too, should be in line to benefit from a possible duel up front. -Kenny Peck

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3:15 WRD 3rd BEN’S MAGIC STONE (#3, 4-1) can be closer to the pace than probable favorite Gospel Abe and that should serve this one well at the mile trip. Ben's Magic Stone also draws an improved post over his last start and might benefit if the strip is fast after catching a laboring track in his most recent out. –Mary Rampellini

3:34 GP 6th DAY BY DAY (#6, 2-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Welsch).

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4:30 Fon 1st BIG TIME PLAYER (#7, 6-1) ran a close-up fourth last out in his Fonner Park debut and has reason to move forward now that he has an out over the track. He also has class appeal as one who started his career at Churchill Downs. –Mary Rampellini

4:36 GP 8th THE TABULATOR (#1, 4-1) has been idle a long time but barn excels at having one ready off the bench and he looks like he should be able to shake free from the rail if leaving the gate running. Just might not look back in today's main event. -Mike Welsch

5:07 GP 9th Distance the question mark for all of these although DUC DE CALAS (#7, 20-1) won twice at a mile and one quarter in his native France at 3. Might have enough stamina to run 'em all down at the end. -Mike Welsch

5:24 FON 3rd REFEREE (#9, 6-1) did herself no favors with something between a lunge and a rear at start of her last-out comeback run. What really caught the eye was a strong, wide middle move in that two-turn, 6f race. Now she’s in a shorter one-turn sprint with speed in front of her & if that move is timed right, she can run them down. – Marcus Hersh

5:38 GP 10th CHOCOLATE BAR (#8, 8-1) debuts off series of five furlongs works at Palm Meadows for barn who can have one ready to win a race like this off the bench. Tabbing board for any additional clues. -Mike Welsch

5:51 Fon 4th MECANDALES (#7, 4-1) makes his first start at Fonner Park, but has been racing on a smaller oval at Delta Downs. He’s also been facing higher-priced foes. –Mary Rampellini

6:15 WRD 9th DEJA SUE (#6, 10-1) flopped as the favorite last fall in career debut & lone previous start, but given the trip it looks like something went amiss partway through and she can be given another chance now, especially with the encouraging work pattern in tow. – Marcus Hersh

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6:15 WRD 9th GOSPEL LUCILLE (#5, 7-2) is making her first start since December, but lands in a field where most of her rivals are coming off layoffs. She ran well in her career debut last year, is just going five and a half furlongs, and owns the field’s best last-race Beyer Figure. –Mary Rampellini

7:12 FON 7th BIG HEARTED FACTOR (#3, 10-1) could be tighter second time back from a six-month layoff, & his March comeback run itself was competitive, including galloping out far in front. Nearly always races effectively at this track & there are some suspect shorter prices here. – Marcus Hersh