DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026

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.

3:14 BEL 3rd MUNNINGS EXPRESS (#3, 6-1) was beaten by two of today's rivals in an allowance two back, but didn't get an ideal trip that day; rebounded with a big effort last time, making an early move into an honest pace; runbacks from the Johnstone have been strong, suggesting that she can improve on her 85 Beyer; her tactical speed should play well here. - David Aragona | Get Past Performances for this race

3:40 WO 2nd INTERIM ANALYSIS (#1, 4-1) wired $7.5K non-two stock with a good 74 Beyer last time and could double up in this $7.5K starter. His trainer has been on a roll of late and this 4yo doesn't need the lead to prevail. - Ron Gierkink | Get Past Performances for this race

4:17 BEL 5th There isn't much pace signed on for a turf sprint, which makes JEAN VALJEAN (#10, 10-1) a danger to steal a 2nd consecutive NY turf stakes on the front end; he's stepping up against tougher rivals than he beat in the Disco Partner; yet that's not the first time he's run well on this circuit, having nearly upset a field going 6F at Aqueduct in '24; I believe he's naturally quicker out of the blocks than his main pace rival and should clear to the lead; the price will be right. - David Aragona | Get Past Performances for this race

4:48 BEL 6th T KRAFT (#1, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (David Aragona). | Get Past Performances for this race

5:18 BEL 7th FORT GEORGE (#7, 9-2) has performed well without winning in both U. S. starts; relegated to the chaser's role in the Bowling Green, he was game to just miss after taking multiple shots at the perfect trip winner; missed a planned start in the Clement Turf, instead showing up at Kentucky Downs where he endured a wide trip; gets reunited with Kieran Shoemark here and seems due for some better luck. - David Aragona | Get Past Performances for this race

5:46 WO 6th With the blinkers removed, STARLA (#7, 8-1) graduated over 1 1/4 miles on the big course after closing from far back in her second start off the bench Sept. 5. She's a good fit in this non-two allowance over the came course and distance under Reyes, who has solid numbers for the barn. - Ron Gierkink | Get Past Performances for this race

6:46 WO 8th WORRY LESS (#1, 10-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Ron Gierkink). | Get Past Performances for this race

7:58 RP 2nd OUTTAHERWAY (#6, 9-2) is a DRF Best Bet (Kenny Peck). | Get Past Performances for this race

9:22 RP 5th MARINGA (#3, 8-1) was moving well through the late stages of her debut, and though she rises from a maiden claimer into a maiden special weight turf route she is a threat with these if she can run back to that effort/figure; she benefited from a good stalking trip in that first try but there's little to suggest she won't get that same kind of trip here from her inside post. - Kenny Peck | Get Past Performances for this race

9:50 RP 6th PAT CAN'T COUNT (#10, 10-1) goes first off the claim for trainer Justin Evans, a 19% angle, and though he was off the board in that last one he made a big middle move there before he flattened out late; he's better than that running line and he has every right to take a big step forward in his first start for new connections, and in his third start off the layoff. - Kenny Peck | Get Past Performances for this race

10:18 RP 7th Hoping SANDTHEFLOOR (#7, 12-1) either just overshot in the Oklahoma Stallion last time or he needed a race off the three-month layoff, or both, and that would account for the 26-length loss; he set a fast pace in that return and he does seem capable of getting clear once again tonight, and if he can back down the fractions sufficiently perhaps he can steal this. - Kenny Peck | Get Past Performances for this race