DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026
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12:45 CD 1st ABUNDANCE (#4, 8-1) away from races for the better part of 16 months - but should get the right price to live with that - potential value that won't adhere to the favorite in this race. Claimed for $30K, they got one race out of him, then the layoff - pretty positive sign he returns for a $20K running for a rich purse. - Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race
1:14 CD 2nd SPURGEON (#2, 10-1) did get a decent setup winning last out, but even accounting for that ran an impressive race relative to the class level, and what's notable is how much more quickly than usual he jumped into the fray. Just wasn't up to MSW competition but aired for a $30K tag, immediately claimed, kept at higher class levels, then aired again (and claimed again) when dropped back to $30K - all of which makes this $30K N3L starter a strong fit. Sailed home in his lone CD one-turn mile try. Some concern that he gets mired down inside behind a moderate pace. - Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race
2:13 CD 4th Why not HESPER (#7, 5-1)? He's been fast enough in seven of his last eight races, and this placement - $16K N3L -- looks a lot like his winning performance June 26 in a $20K N2L claimer, albeit against just five rivals. Fresh is the way to go with a horse like this, and why not enter to win right now since he showed last FG meet he's not going to win an La-bred N1X allowance. As mentioned many times in this space, light workout patterns and slow workout times are the rule not the exception with this barn. - Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race
2:45 CD 5th Quite liked both of SHE'S TOASTY's (#11, 6-1) recent work videos, one outside a partner from the gate, the other inside her workmate going from the pole. I mean, to me, those were pretty good works for an MSW debuter, and this $50K sales buy debuts for $150K maiden-claiming. Good outside draw if she can show some speed, which seems to be in play. -Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race
5:05 LAD 1st SNEAKY STALKER (#3, 6-1) has run well in all three turf sprints here including her return win at odds of 7/2. Not sure it means much but this horse has drawn either the rail or the two hole in all 8 starts. That streak is broken today as she moves over two spots. This filly is just bred to like a turf sprint so what if she isn't done improving? There are no world beaters in this race. - Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race
5:33 LAD 2nd BACKSTAGE BOOGIE (#4, 10-1) is by a 9% debut sire (all sire stats are for 2YOs only). Her dam went 18-3-2-1 and earned 40K. Six of eight sibs won while three beat winners (64K, 263K, 91K). We are expecting a good price. - Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race
7:53 LAD 7th NOTHIN (#8, 20-1) should be a big price. We think that she can clear off early. That turf try four back was encouraging. Speed horses that look off form are often a good bet. The other pace players often let them go early in the belief that they are off form and will tire. What happens is that they get some early confidence and just run much better. - Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race
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