DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Friday, December 5, 2025
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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: 12:51 ET
Track: Gulfstream (2nd Race)
Horse: DON'T GO ASTRAY (#4, 8-1)
DON'T GO ASTRAY woke up two back when a solid third at 40-1 but it was his follow up that we liked just as much. He gets off the rail and has good speed all in a race with an average pace. Is today the last day for a great price? – Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 2:08 ET
Track: Aqueduct (4th Race)
Horse: BOB JOHN RAY (#6, 6-1)
BOB JOHN RAY has not been reliable on form, though his good race makes him tough in a spot like this. He gets this far, and deserves extra credit for that win last time when forced to race from start to finish, and managing to fight off odds-on favorite Peek in the late stages to prevail. – Mike Beer | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 2:52 ET
Track: Gulfstream (6th Race)
Horse: FREDDIE B (#1, 30-1)
FREDDIE B is by a 15% debut sire (all sire stats are for 2YO's). His dam was un-raced. Lone sibling is 7-4-0-1 in Panama and is a multiple Grade 1 winner (99K). Works are perfect and we love this barn with their debut 2YO's especially going long. – Scott Ehlers | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 4:04 ET
Track: Aqueduct (8th Race)
Horse: POPPY'S TICKET (#8, 6-1)
POPPY'S TICKET is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 4:52 ET
Track: Gulfstream (10th Race)
Horse: PEPPERMINT MAN (#5, 15-1)
PEPPERMINT MAN is a DRF Best Bet (Scott Ehlers). | Get Past Performances for this race
Post Time: 6:35 ET
Track: Woodbine (5th Race)
Horse: PROFESSOR RELOAD (#9, 6-1)
PROFESSOR RELOAD rallied from fourth to finish a clear second over a speed-favoring track at this class last out in his first start since beating $10K maidens. He has some speed to chase under apprentice Forde. – Ron Gierkink | Get Past Performances for this race
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