Santa Anita: DRF Plus handicapping report for February 1, 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

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Race 7

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Not sure if she can defeat favorite Streaming, but improving ARTEMIS (#4, 4-1) is good and getting better. Maiden route winner last out, she jumps into a Grade 1 and should at least complete the exacta. -Brad Free

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Race 8

Arcadia Stakes by Michael Hammersly

WINNING PRIZE came from Argentina with a gaudy reputation (multiple Grade 1 winner) and quickly showed what the fuss was all about. He blasted some real nice foes in a turf mile event at Del Mar Aug. 22, his U.S. debut. They thought enough of him to ship to Kentucky for a most daunting task – take on HOY Wise Dan in the Grade 1 Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland Oct. 5. Well, Mother Nature had other plans as a torrential downpour took that race off the turf onto the synthetic track, a surface ‘PRIZE had never seen. He was no threat when 4th but all things considered that wasn’t a bad run at all.

He returned West, set the pace and finished a game 3rd (beaten less than a length) in the Grade 2 Citation Handicap at Hollywood Park Nov. 29. His speed should have him prominent from the start, though he likely isn’t as quick as REGALLY READY or UNBRIDLED’S NOTE. Actually, that may be a good thing as it will likely force him to stalk. He has the speed to keep those 2 speedsters in his sights and can still finish, and whereas two might not be considered as proven as ‘PRIZE at this trip so furlong No. 8 could play well for him. SUGGESTIVE BOY is the defending champ and like WINNING PRIZE he’d come from South America all the rage and showed why. Alas, after his big win in the Grade 1 Kilroe Mile here last March he had a splint injury. He hasn’t been seen since. Trainer Ron McAnally originally mentioned the Breeders’ Cup Mile here Nov. 2 as a goal but obviously you can see ‘BOY didn’t make that, and in fact it’s another three months after that before he resurfaces here. If he’s ready to come back at full strength he can surely be scary again…but that’s no small ‘if’, is it?

REGALLY READY was at one time maybe the best turf sprinter in the land. Alas, things fell off for him playing that game the past couple seasons but you can teach an old gelding new tricks. They moved him to a mile at Keeneland Oct. 18 and he won. He was then fourth on non-firm turf going a mile at Churchill Downs Nov. 9 but was freshened, came here and led all the way to be an impressive winner at this trip, earning a 100 Beyer. He may be the quickest here and if he’s able to dispatch with the other speed could be in the thick of this every step of the way.

Another interesting possibility is a bounce-back for NO JET LAG. Just three or four months ago he looked like he might be among the premier milers on this circuit as he came from England, won a smart race at Del Mar, and then won the Grade 2 City of Hope Mile here Oct. 5. That earned him a shot at Wise Dan and company in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile. Alas, after prompting a very fast pace (probably not his preferred style) he gave way. He came back in the Grade 2 Sir Beaufort here and again was on top of a brisk pace – and again paid the price.

He’s mired on the far outside here, which is no bargain, but his first 2 big U.S. starts came with an off-the-pace style so maybe rider Corey Nakatani will cut in behind, save ground and save some fuel for a last burst. The pace should be strong which should serve him well. And those last 2 dull outings help your price.

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NO JET LAG (#10, 6-1) will be anchored early and explode late in a race that should unfold at a crisp pace. He won his first two U.S. starts, including a G2, rallying from off the pace. -Brad Free

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WINNING PRIZE (#9, 3-1) was making his first start in about seven weeks and just his third since being imported from South America when he set a solid inside pace & held well for a close third behind Silentio and subsequent Fort Lauderdale Stakes winner Summer Front in the 11/29 Citation. Can get a better spying trip from this outside draw. Very talented with upside today. - Marcus Hersh

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Race 9

Vulnerable Favorite

PROFIRE (#7, 7-2) takes the most important drop in the game and his sharp 2nd at GP last October (87 Beyer) shows he has ability. That being said, he was then gone 2 months, came here and didn’t run badly when 5th vs. straight maidens Dec. 26 but his Beyer that day wasn’t nearly as good (57) and considering he’d shown talent, why then the big drop in for a tag? Heck, they don’t give anything away out here and it’s not as if they’re just dropping him in for $50K or something – they’re moving him the bottom. Could certainly win this if he can come anywhere close to his GP form and the drop may do it, but at the short price the other questions give you cause for pause. -Michael Hammersly

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