DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, July 2, 2026
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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: 12:09 ET
Track: CNL 4th Race
Horse: FORTY SEVEN SMOKER (#13, 5-1)
FORTY SEVEN SMOKER will have to draw in, but the 36 Beyer she earned for her runner-up finish at Laurel last time out doesn't seem to reflect her ability; she came up a neck short over the same course last month and earned a much stronger 52, a figure she has more or less replicated in several turf efforts over the course of her career; Ruiz will return to take the mount and her running style should be suited to an outside post. -Patrick Moquin | Get PPs for this race
Post Time: 1:05 ET
Track: CNL 6th Race
Horse: SEASONAL LOVE (#7, 7-2)
SEASONAL LOVE has only attempted turf twice in his career, finishing second in back-to-back conditioned claimers at Evangeline last summer; he has run on dirt in four starts since, though his return race at Delaware in June was taken off the turf; he did little running that day after losing all chance out of the gate, so the performance can probably be tossed; he was still in solid form over the winter at Delta Downs, and it's encouraging that Brinkman is doubling down on this return to turf after getting stymied last time out. -Patrick Moquin | Get PPs for this race
Post Time: 8:50 ET
Track: CBY 6th Race
Horse: VALI VALI VAL (#1, 9-2)
VALI VALI VAL just needs to break OK to find the front end and laugh all the way to the bank. She cuts back to a sprint but that won't dull her early zip. Her 399 distance Tommy screams sprint so this 5 1/2 furlongs might be ideal. Roman keeps the call and is 29% for team Padilla (flat bet profit). -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race
Post Time: 9:20 ET
Track: CBY 7th Race
Horse: THIRTYNINE TIMBERS (#7, 15-1)
THIRTYNINE TIMBERS should be a nice price if near his 15-1 morning line. This race didn't come up that tough so perhaps it is a good spot for a price. We like how this 4YO tried two turns on the turf in his debut. He broke slow yet still ran evenly. Now connections want a turf route right back. Most horses improve the second time they do anything. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race
Post Time: 9:50 ET
Track: CBY 8th Race
Horse: VESPER CHICKS (#6, 4-1)
VESPER CHICKS is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers). | Get PPs for this race