Gulfstream: DRF Plus Handicapping Report for December 29, 2013
Race 1 |
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Race 2 |
Spot PlayTHE GREEN COUGAR (#6, 12-1): The paradox of turf sprints is that although speed is essential, there’s also the reality that a killing pace frequently sets things up for a closer. This Ill-bred 3yo simply may not be fast enough to keep up with some of these other swifties, but with all the speed in here (Gentlemans Code, Drunken Love, Dedicated to Bob, Off the Page, etc.), the race shape just might favor a come-from-behinder. Top Chicago barn (Block) teams with world-class jock (Lezcano) at a big tote price. – Marty McGee
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Race 3 |
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Race 4 |
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Race 5 |
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Race 6 |
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Race 7 |
Vulnerable FavoriteSTORM HABOOB (#4, 9-5): Yes, Proctor has been enjoying quite a career resurgence the last couple of years, but not necessarily with maiden-claimers such as this Texas-bred, whom he clearly wouldn’t mind losing today via the claim box as evidenced by him dropping in for $12,500 after what appeared to be a very satisfactory effort in his first-and-only at Churchill. Wouldn’t be surprised at all to see a bit of regression while maybe a couple of opponents to his outside, i.e., Ray’s Back and Now Hear This, step up their game a notch or two. – Marty McGee
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Race 8 |
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Race 9 |
Spot PlayFEELINGBETTERTORDAY (#4, 5-1): Year-round Calder/Gulf horses are often given short shrift at the windows in comparison to their more glamorous counterparts from New York and Kentucky, but when it comes to the tandem of Calabrese/Ziadie, that’s a risky policy. Cognizant of the trainer’s outlandish stats relevant to this race (most notably, a 39-pct strike rate with horses returning from a 61-180 day layoff), this filly could prove extremely tough to catch once she opens up as usual in midstretch. – Marty McGee
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Race 10 |
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