Aqueduct: DRF Plus handicapping report for February 1, 2014

Race 1

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Race 2

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Race 3

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Race 4

Vulnerable Favorite

WORLDLY CHARM (#1, 8-5) may simply have found the right spot, but all things considered she has been very disappointing at short prices in both of her starts and is worth taking shot against. - Mike Beer

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Race 5

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Race 6

Toboggan Stakes by Mike Beer

Hard to take too big a stand against heavily favored STRAPPING GROOM (#1, 3-5), a Grade 1 winner last year at Saratoga, who enters here off of 110 Beyer demolition of the Gravesend Handicap over this track. He faces some classy old sprinters in this spot, but will have little trouble beating them with his best race.

The horses that I want to play with him in this spot are DON TITO (#3, 8-1), who kept good company in Southern California for most of his career, and did well to overcome a slow pace despite a four-wide trip last time; and back-classer CANDYMAN E (#7, 5-1), a game winner of the Spooky Mulder stakes when last seen.

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Race 7

Spot Play

VERO AMORE (#9, 5-2): This stretch-out has a potent combination of pedigree and performance in the Busher: Three recent winners went on to win Grade 1 races that were also from the A.P. Indy line; she owns the two fastest Beyers in the field as well. --Dave Litfin

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Race 8

Spot Play

LION D N A (#7, 7-2) overcame a slow pace to post her 2nd straight win last time but she shouldn't have any such obstacle here, as there seems to be a decent amount of pace signed on. -Kenny Peck

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Race 9

Withers Stakes by Mike Beer

Pair of NY-breds enter this Grade 3 event (with Derby points on the line) with layover figures in tow, and are clearly the two horses to beat. Of the two, I’ll prefer UNCLE SIGH (#1, 9-5), who has put up two big figures already, and showed in his debut that he can overcome some trouble and still run big. SAMRAAT (#5, 7-5), meanwhile, coasted along on an uncontested lead to put up a 95 last time; he’s done nothing wrong, and comes here 3-for-3 lifetime, but I’ll look for some confirmation of that last figure in this tougher spot.

For wagering purposes, I will try to split the two favorites in exactas with HONORABLE JUDGE (#6, 15-1). He will benefit from what should be an honest pace, and this well-connected, well-bred 3yo has flashed some potential while still appearing to be a bit green. They’ve shown confidence in him from day one, shipping to run in the Grade 3 Iroquios directly off a maiden win, and now coming to NY to look for some Derby points after he took the step forward last time.

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Race 10

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