DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, May 8, 2025

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.

1:10 BAQ 1st AERATE (#6, 4-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Get PPs for this race

1:22 GP 2nd MISS MORGAN (#9, 4-1) gets good race flow, draws well, and goes second out for new barn. Paco gets a leg up and is 30% for this barn. This filly broke last in her debut going six furlongs but still managed to beat half the field home so we like today's 1 1/2 furlong cut back. Her ability to pass runners is even better. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race

2:12 BAQ 3rd GRAYWING (#6, 6-1) rarely fails to show up, and he had won three of four with improving figs to kick off 2025, including a new top Beyer when up in class off the claim two back; dueled two different times before fading in that last one, but he is tactical enough to track a pace if necessary as he breaks from an outside post this time. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race

3:32 GP 6th DEETZ (#1, 3-1) ran well only three and four back but then not so much two back. Did something go awry in that race hence the time off? Her return try was better and that was going a tough 6 1/2 furlongs off a layoff. She has done all of her winning on this dirt. We like Arrieta up as connections waste little time finding this 3YO a race. -Scott Ehlers | Get PPs for this race

4:16 BAQ 7th SON OF A BIRCH (#7, 15-1) has concentrated on sprinting throughout his career, though his lone attempt routing, which came early on, was not a poor performance while involved on a fast pace; he even ran better than it looks in the seven-furlong Paradise Creek as a 3yo when, once again, involved on a fast pace over a bog of a course; wish he was in better form, but he has talent and will be a price. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race