Debut Reports

Available exclusively with DRF Plus Pro

In this age of speed figures, pace figures, and trip handicapping, it seems that trainer analysts and pedigree gurus are oddballs and outcasts. What happens, however, when you can't assign a number on a horse? In maiden races, we often see first-time starters with no past performance lines to rate. What's a handicapper to do? We see a trainer's first-out percentage over the last 18 months in the Daily Racing Form, and often the sire's prowess with debut runners is mentioned in "A Closer Look."

With these reports from DRF.com, we can break down the numbers even further. Every debut winner is ranked by sire, broodmare sire, and trainer. In addition, first-time starters that placed second or third are also listed. Want to know if Bob Baffert uses blinkers on his successful debut runners? Does Tale of the Cat have any early winners on synthetic surfaces? Carson City is a great debut sire. Are mares by Carson City throwing early winners as well? Can we find a sire-broodmare sire 'nick' that leads to debut success?

All the information is here, and information is power. Handicappers will get the cold hard facts with these regularly updated reports, and will be able to draw their own conclusions. Want to make your own trainer and sire ratings? This will help you take the first step in handicapping those tricky first-time starters. Hopefully, you'll have some fun as well. - Dan Illman

Debut Reports are available exclusively with DRF Plus Pro. Subscribers: Click the links above to download debut reports. Non-subscribers: DRF Plus Pro gives you unlimited access to DRF news coverage, columnists, Simulcast Weekly, BreezeFigs, and much more. Click here to learn more and subscribe.