Gulfstream: DRF Plus Handicapping Report for March 2, 2014

Race 1

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Race 2

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Race 3

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Race 4

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Race 5

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Race 6

Spot Play

GRACIE'S BUTTERFLY (#4, 6-1) is by an elite grass sire in War Front, and trainer Mark Casse lands Rosario for this one’s debut. That is particularly noteworthy as other trainers for whom Rosario rides, such as Shug McGaughey and Bill Mott, also have entrants in the field. – Byron King

Vulnerable Favorite

SHE'S JUSTIFIED (#1, 5-2) has a fourth and a third in two starts on dirt, but has never been tested on turf, and it is rarely a good idea to take a short price on a horse trying something new for the first time; 279 turf Tomlinson isn’t flashy. – Byron King

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Race 7

Spot Play

HIT SQUAD (#5, 6-1) Yes it came against some pretty weak maidens, but can’t help but think the big run this filly made with Bravo aboard in her Feb. 12 triumph isn’t enough to make her a major threat in this first attempt versus winners. Predictably, there are no standouts at this N2L $30k level, and what the heck, she looks as good as any. Plus, the way some fans summarily dismiss recent mdn.-claiming winners on the jump, the price should be square. – Marty McGee

Live Longshot

The works for LOVE THIS KITTY (#1, 10-1) leading up to her bow suggest she's better than she showed there; longer distance could actually help, though what she really needs here is a quick break from the rail. -Kenny Peck

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Race 8

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Race 9

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Race 10

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Race 11

Spot Play

SOMBRERO DE COPA (#1, 5-1) There is an absolute surplus of speed in this finale (see Birds Gone Wild, Casa Creek, Bright Guy), which means that surely something from the back should have an advantage. Look no farther than the rail slot with this gradually improving Stronach homebred, who should be able to sit a decent trip under Solis before moving along. Price figures a fair one, too, given how wide-open this looks. – Marty McGee

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