DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Friday, December 1, 2023

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.

12:20 AQU 1st UNION TAP (#6, 4-1) has been poor from the gate in his three dirt starts to date, though he still owns the top figure in the field on this surface; might be in the right spot as he makes his second start off the layoff after getting wired by an odds-on, class-dropping winner last time. -Mike Beer | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:05 GP 5th PLATINUM ROCKER (#1, 10-1) chased very fast pace stretching to seven furlongs and trying dirt for fist time while also stepping up in price last time. Back to Tapeta, may be long gone if away clean from the rail. -Mike Welsch | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:33 WO 4th ADELAIDE COURT (#6, 12-1) went six-wide on the turn over a rail-biased track in his dismal last start, a race you can draw a line through. He could get back on track in this much easier spot with second-leading rider Civaci taking over from the injured bug Bynoe. -Ron Gierkink | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:03 WO 5th JAMIESTA (#4, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Ron Gierkink). | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:09 TAM 6th GREYZER (#6, 12-1) lost any small chance he may have had at the start of his latest, when in against better, as he was away slowly and was not going to be able to recover; he also had no chance two back, when his rider lost an iron at the break, but he has lots of room to move forward today given a clean start, as there's plenty of speed in this field and he's in against lighter competition. -Kenny Peck | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:12 AQU 7th BLU GROTTO's (#10, 15-1) lack of speed is a drawback but he deserves a pass for that most recent start on turf, which he does not handle at all; has a race available that makes him tough in here if he can get a trip as he goes third off the layoff for Rudy; both career wins have come with blinkers on. -Mike Beer | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:20 LRL 7th UNCAPTURED STORM (#5, 10-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Dan Illman). | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:43 TAM 7th PAVONI (#3, 6-1) is a stone closer reliant on pace but there does appear to be enough speed in this field to set him up, and he does have some of the better Beyers in this field amongst the stretch runners; he was too late with his late run last time out but he should appreciate getting a little more extra ground again today. -Kenny Peck | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:50 LRL 8th CANOODLE (#4, 20-1) had a troubled trip three back at Timonium when facing two next-out winners (third-finisher has since won twice with 83 Beyer top). Pressed the winner's reasonable pace inside, was shuffled back into the pocket entering the third turn, then was locked inside for most of the stretch. Just missed over speed-friendly track on 11/4, then was in too tough against multiple stakes-winner Intrepid Daydream last week. -Dan Illman | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:13 TAM 8th WINTER'S GHOST (#1, 5-1) gets back to Tampa, which is his favorite track, and he comes into this in very good form, as he was running well at Delaware Park before shipping south; steady Beyers add to the appeal, and his tactical speed and inside post should mean he's able to work out another favorable trip despite today's shorter distance. -Kenny Peck | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:13 GG 2nd LOADED MUSKET (#5, 6-1) is unbeaten in two starts for trainer Andy Mathis since returning from a layoff of nearly 21 months in September and there is no reason to think the winning streak cannot continue in this conditional $8,000 claimer. In both his wins, Loaded Musket stalked the pace before taking the lead in the final furlong. Assael Espinoza was aboard for those wins and has the mount again on Friday. -Steve Andersen | Bet this race with DRF Bets

4:20 LRL 9th BY ITS ABSENCE (#5, 8-1) was hustled hard to grab the lead, cleared off to the rail after two furlongs, and had no problems dusting off two next-out winners (fourth-finisher took $12,500 "two-life" claimer on turf with 70 Beyer). He might have to work harder to obtain a similar position as he steps up in class, but has shown the ability to rate and finish. -Dan Illman | Bet this race with DRF Bets

5:13 GG 4th JUST SERENE (#2, 6-1) and HARBOR'S BEAUTY (#1, 6-1) finished sixth and fifth in an $8,000 claimer for maidens at six furlongs on Nov. 18, with both experiencing rough trips. Just Serene was bumped at the start and raced wide, while Harbor's Beauty was also bumped at the start, and raced in traffic at a pivotal point in the stretch. Both will start at a mile for the first time in this field of eight. -Steve Andersen | Bet this race with DRF Bets

6:58 DMR 8th DRIVE FOR SHOW (#7, 6-1) gets the call while stretching out from an okay fifth-place sprint. He was void of speed, rallied three- and four-wide on the turn and into the lane, and finished evenly to miss by only two and one-quarter lengths. A sibling to route stakes winner B Squared and route graded-placed Ralis (also G1 sprint winner), DRIVE FOR SHOW has a right to stay this mile trip. -Brad Free | Bet this race with DRF Bets

8:35 RP 2nd RAINBOWS ARE FREE (#7, 8-1) leaves the statebred ranks behind, but two of her three career wins have come against open foes. -Mary Rampellini | Bet this race with DRF Bets