DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Wednesday, October 11, 2023

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 KEE 1st BIG JAVA (#6, 8-1) was claimed by owner-trainer S Asmussen for $10K on July 15. She got back on the worktab Aug. 1, has breezed steadily since, and now shows up for twice the claiming price and a $44K purse. Sure seems well-meant from this angle and ought to have pace in front of her. -Marcus Hersh

1:32 KEE 2nd MR. FAVERSHAM (#11, 10-1) is the guess in a full field of restricted MSW 7f sprinters. No work video available but the work pattern - times and distances, but, most importantly, regularity and length -- holds appeal. The dam has produced a boatload of foals to race, the best of whom is Bayerness, who won her career debut at Keeneland for this same barn before going on to become a stakes horse. -Marcus Hersh

4:12 KEE 7th Fast pace forecast and expect MADISON LUVS DUKE (#6, 8-1) to be ridden from farther back than he was when a fading third going this trip at a slightly higher class during the April KEE meet. That third of 11 against stronger foes than these last out strikes me as a better performance than the speed figure and suspect he can produice something similar on dirt. -Marcus Hersh

8:35 RP 2nd MINISTER MAZ (#6, 9-2) is back on dirt and he's run well on the surface in the past. His appeal is his natural speed, outside post and racing experience. -Mary Rampellini

10:55 RP 7th HEROIC MOVE (#2, 3-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mary Rampellini).

11:23 RP 8th COMMUNICATION MEMO (#7, 7-2) makes a couple of notable moves. He's back on dirt and he's also back at the six and a half furlong distance over which he put up his best career Beyer Speed Figure. -Mary Rampellini