DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Sunday, November 5, 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 SAN PANTALEO (#4, 10-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer).

12:50 GP 1st WONDERFULVENEZUELA (#5, 4-1) did nothing in her dirt sprint debut for $50K here Sept. 22 but she then dropped in for $25K, moved to synthetic and perked up to run 4th. She gets a further drop here, which can't hurt, and moves to a route, a game for which she's bred. Three of her 4 sibs are winners including Mandamus (10-1-5-0, $83K, 1 SP). -Michael Hammersly

1:34 WO 2nd DIXIE GIANT (#3, 15-1) is competing on short rest off an improved run and a claim by a smooth operator. In a field devoid of speed, he should be forwardly placed under Crawford. -Ron Gierkink

2:03 WO 3rd SPRING MOUNTAIN (#7, 6-1) fought for the lead through fairly quick fractions before fading to sixth when boosted up to N1X company a month ago. He's tagged for $15K in this starter/optional claimer and could take some catching with apprentice Bynoe back aboard. -Ron Gierkink

3:06 LRL 6th IRISH WARLOCK (#5, 8-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Kenny Peck).

3:14 AQU 7th SUERTE (#6, 8-1) was effective routing on dirt last winter in Florida; has improved since starting back for Maker, beginning with a strong win from a pace-tracking position in a race rained off the turf at Saratoga; good try in that last one when involved up front in a race that went to a one-run closer. -Mike Beer

3:52 GP 7th PARDY PLEASER (#1, 4-1) added blinkers here Sept. 30 and perked up considerably, stalking the pace before blasting home to win easily. He faces winners for the first time, no small hurdle, but could be the light has gone on, and it's encouraging they do not again risk him for a tag. Zayas appears to have had options here and ends up on this guy, though of course he rides first call for this barn so maybe you don't want to read too much into the riding assignments here. -Michael Hammersly

4:10 AQU 9th PINSTRIPEPIZZO (#4, 10-1) lost some early position but finished up well when making her first turf start vs. maiden-claiming rivals last time; prior form vs. better was okay; tries again looking for a better trip. -Mike Beer

5:09 WO 9th MALIBU EDGE (#2, 10-1) checked in second behind favored Cotton while leaving next-out winner Maclean's Posse back in third the last time he sprinted on the Tapeta at this level Sept. 14. He got fired in a speed duel most recently in a tougher inner turf tilt and should be prominent in this seven-furlong Tapeta event. -Ron Gierkink

5:42 WO 10th FABLED PRINCE (#2, 10-1) has a number of improvement angles going for him off a long layoff in his first non-turf start, including first-time gelding and blinkers on. The 3yo worked well with champion Moira on Oct. 21, a half-mile in :47.60. -Ron Gierkink

7:17 GG 8th SMOKEMS TAPHOUSE (#3, 8-1) might be a new route horse. Her most recent was a Beyer top. She has always liked this surface. She draws fine and finds a logical spot. Race flow is more than fair all for a runner with three recent works. -Scott Ehlers

7:47 GG 9th TESSA (#2, 8-1) has never missed the exacta on this surface in four starts. She ran well when last seen off a layoff even though she broke 10th of 12 that day. Local works are perfect. Win rider gets a leg up and this filly just responds well to him. Race flow is fine and connections find a good spot. -Scott Ehlers