Santa Anita: DRF Plus handicapping report for April 12, 2014

Race 1 Formulator PPs

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Race 2 Formulator PPs

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Race 3 Formulator PPs

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Race 4 Formulator PPs

Spot Play

ICE CREAM TRUCK (#7, 7-2) comes off three straight runner-up finishes on the Santa Anita main track, and though some might call her a chronic bridesmaid, over that three-race runner-up stretch she hasn’t been shorter than 7-2 odds; the public viewed others as better than her – so she didn’t disappoint; catches a field she can now defeat – Byron King

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Race 5 Formulator PPs

Vulnerable Favorite

SKY HIGH GAL (#5, 5-2) was all out to beat a lesser cast running down the hill Feb. 9, and her speed figures do not give an edge over her rivals; the Cienegas is wide open and her odds at 5-2 don’t justify backing given the competitiveness of this field. – Byron King

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Race 6 Formulator PPs

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Race 7 Formulator PPs

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Race 8 Formulator PPs

Potrero Grande Stakes by Kenny Peck

Determining the race flow for the Grade 2, $200,000 Potrero Grande sure seems elementary: MONGOLIAN SATURDAY (#1), BIG MACHER (#7) and CYCLOMETER (#8) all figure to be up close early on, and if the pace is quick as a result the race figures to set up the closers. The problem, however, is the latter pair are both capable of rating. So it becomes a bit of a guess: Do either, or both, take back, completely changing the pace scenario?

I voted "No", and went with WINE POLICE (#2). He lost as the favorite at Sunland last time out but he ran well, showing his customary tactical speed and rallying late. He earned a solid figure for that effort, and his past history shows that he runs at least as well in his second start back off a layoff. His inside post is another plus.

MIDNIGHT TRANSFER (#4) cuts back a bit in distance, and he's another who would benefit from a quick, contested pace up front. He needs it, as he's a stone closer reliant on race flow, but given that he has a solid kick under the right circumstances, and he has posted Beyers in the past that are plenty good enough to win this.

WILD DUDE (#6) is the 8/5 Morning Line favorite, and deservedly so. He has solid, steady figures, and he had won three straight until losing in the San Carlos last time, a race where he was caught up close to the pace due to some mild splits. This one should set up much better for him, though the price will not be very enticing.

WINE POLICE is the win bet, and I'll be keying him with MIDNIGHT TRANSFER and WILD DUDE.

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Race 9 Formulator PPs

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