Gulfstream: DRF Plus Handicapping Report for February 1, 2014

Race 1

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Race 2

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BECCAWHIT (#4, 8-1) By far the key to this filly is the trainer change … by far. She was overmatched in races at the Kentucky “bigs” before galloping versus lesser at Ellis, and then after the Ky. Downs debacle, she was turned over to Mike Tomlinson, an underrated sort who knows his way around a horse and has set this filly down for a sharp series of local works over the last month. Looking for this filly and C-Lan to show heels early and then throw a wrench into the others’ plans. – Marty McGee

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Race 3

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Race 4

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AY NO DIGAS (#12, 3-1): We put you on this German-bred colt for his 5-1 maiden-breaker, and we’re not going to let him get away with another nice run at a square price this time, either. Several in here have a bit of a phony look to them, and after turning back a highly regarded Pletcher maiden (Siete C) in that Jan. 10 route, we’ll look for Johnny V. to handle the chores with confidence. Outer post can be largely offset by his late-going style, so few worries in that regard. – Marty McGee

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Race 5

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Race 6

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Race 7

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Race 8

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Race 9

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PARTYALLNIGHTLONG (#5, 8-1) was a sharp winner in that last one, his 2nd win in three starts on the grass; should get ample pace here, and that work back on Jan 19th indicates he retains his form. -Kenny Peck

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Race 10

Hutcheson Stakes by Byron King

C. ZEE is an overlay at his 5-1 morning line, coming off a runner-up finish in the Spectacular Bid and having a stalking style that sets him up for a favorable trip. He has continually improved with each raceand now looks ready for a peak performance in the third start of the meet. He does not have the flashiest pedigree or connections of, but his performances on the track have been excellent. WILDCAT RED, the Gulfstream Park Derby runner-up, was scheduled to go in the Fountain of Youth but had to miss the race due to a short bout of sickness. Trainer Jose Garoffalo said he is pleased with how the colt has done since the setback, but sometimes horses will regress after sickness and getting treated with antibiotics; would have been the top selection were it not for the sickness news. TRAIL BLAZE ran like a budding star in his debut and then broke poorly and was dusted when fourth, beaten 10 lengths, in the Spectacular Bid. Trainer Todd Pletcher keeps the faith by running him in a stake when he could have opted for more conservative placement in an allowance. Others worthy of attention for use on the bottom of the exotics include speedy maiden graduate GAMBLER’S GHOST and PABLO DEL MONTE, who is cut back to a sprint after an even fourth in the one-mile Gulfstream Park Derby.

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C.Zee (#4, 5-1) just ran a fine second in the Spectacular Bid, and seems likely to continue to move forward in the third start of his current form cycle; has a stalking style that sets him up for favorable trips and will likely be overlooked with bigger-name connections in the Hutcheson. – Byron King

Vulnerable Favorite

Wildcat Red (#5, 5-2) missed the Fountain of Youth due to illness, and though he has reportedly done well over the past week or so, the setback could result in him running less than his best. – Byron King

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Race 11

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