Best Horse Racing Picks for Friday, August 15, 2025

Since 1894, Daily Racing Form has been the most trusted source of horse racing news and information, making horseplayers better bettors by cashing more tickets. Here is a free daily playbook – something hardcore horseplayers and casual observers can reference to get informed of each day’s action. DRF Past Performances (PPs) can be accessed at DRF.com.

DRF handicappers share their plays for the day, including best bets, for racing at Saratoga, Colonial Downs, and Canterbury.

Post Time: 1:10 ET
Track: Saratoga (1st Race)
Horse: JACK’S WORLD (#5, 6-1)

Jack's World is by a new sire who was cut out to be a nice turf horse, before a win in the Santa Anita Derby sidetracked him as a 3yo; there is also turf in this female family through Grade 1 winner Magnificent Song (third dam); like that Rice hasn't breezed this one of the grass after purchasing for $150k earlier in the year; things to like, and might be a fair price. – Mike Beer | Get Past Performances for this race

Post Time: 1:32 ET
Track: Woodbine (5th Race)
Horse: TRUE SHOT (#3, 5-1)

True Shot overcame a terrible trip to finish second two back and then graduated most recently after a wide trip from post 11 in another two-turn inner turf tilt. He could double up in this non-two tilt with his confidence on a high. – Ron Gierkink | Get Past Performances

Post Time: 3:00 ET
Track: Monmouth (5th Race)
Horse: STARLIT SKY (#3, 3-1)

Starlit Sky ships in from New York for trainer George Weaver after stalking early and tiring late in her first start going two-turns over the grass. The Connect filly showed improved speed with the addition of blinkers, but the race shape did her no favors. She meets a softer group here that is light on significant experience and attracts strong turf rider Samy Camacho Jr. for her first local try. – Scott Shapiro | Get Past Performances

Post Time: 4:18 ET
Track: Woodbine (7th Race)
Horse: SHADOW REALM (#7, 7-2)

Shadow Realm brings excellent Tapeta form to this main turf sprint and could mow down all the speed if he stays in the zone. His only turf start was a creditable third behind Dewolf and Unbridled Weather in the restricted Bull Page Stakes last September. – Ron Gierkink | Get Past Performances

Post Time: 5:45 ET
Track: Saratoga (9th Race)
Horse: FUTURE IS NOW (#6, 6-5)

Future Is Now (#6, 6-5) got very good last year while winning four stakes sprinting on turf, including both the Grade 2 Intercontinental and the '24 running of this race over course and distance; has picked up where she left off so far this year with two more graded stakes victories, and she matched her Beyer top defeating s tougher field that this in that last one; the clear horse to beat – Mike Beer | Get Past Performances