Gulfstream: DRF Plus Handicapping Report for February 23, 2014

Race 1

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Race 2

Spot Play

STOWE (#2, 10-1): Not a whole lot of data to go on, at least statistically, as this son of Dunkirk makes his career debut for a $20k tag. However, it’s worth noting that Gargan is a former Zito assistant and longtime racetracker who really knows the score, so wouldn’t be all that surprised if he’s trying to take a base on balls here with a $26k yearling purchase who just hasn’t worked that bad at all in the GP mornings. Tote may yield clues, so be on the lookout. – 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

Spot Play

TIZ A DYNAFORMER (#7, 5-1) unseen since 1m 1/16 debut breaking from tough outside post on inner turf last summer at Belmont; positive jock switch to Lezcano and will be a handful today. - Chuck Kuehhas

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Race 8

Spot Play

SPRING SPIRIT (#3, 20-1): This must be a rugged mdn.-claiming route for a Casse dropper to be pegged at 20-1 on the M/L, although we’ll believe that when we see it flashing live on the tote. This filly has been just OK, but she does fit well with this brand, given slight improvement; she’s got two needed races behind her, stretches out while well drawn as a likely pace player, gets turf pro Lezcano, has a decent grass pedigree, and figures to be a longtime factor if she gives just a little more oomph. We’ve all seen far worse-looking 20-1 shots before. – Marty McGee

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Race 9

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Race 10

Vulnerable Favorite

Cut-in-half drop speaks a quiet desperation for the Midwest crew, as D'NIED PERMISSION (#3, 5-2) did very little running in his first time under the green and black. Some fans may be willing to forgive that latest because of the slop, but still, he just hasn’t been very competitive of late, regardless of the level, and some of the opposition looks quite capable of prevailing for this low tag. Yes, we’ll pass, especially at the low tote number. – Marty McGee

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Race 11

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GET IN LINE (#11, 3-1) takes a big drop and should enjoy a favorable race flow, as his early speed should give him an edge on the closers. -Kenny Peck

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