Santa Anita: DRF Plus handicapping report for February 14, 2014

Race 1

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Race 2

Spot Play

Sharp claimer NOBLE KENT (#7, 3-1) can “upset” these modest state-bred allowance foes. He won 3 of his last 5, and should have favorite MAGIC MARK in his sights. -Brad Free

Spot Play

MAGIC MARK (#5, 5-2) Back-to-back 81 Beyers to open his career says this guy has more winning to do, and now he comes realistically spotted for this condition off that odds-on maiden tally. Ellis/Talamo team carries solid numbers, and trainer’s percentages in the relevant categories also rate highly; looking for this gelding to follow right up on that encouraging Jan. 9 score. – Marty McGee

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Race 3

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Race 4

Spot Play

Maiden filly GOUYEN (#3, 5-2) is a “single” based on her debut. Not quick, big middle move, surged to lead, fought back, five clear. On paper, a standout second time out. -Brad Free

Spot Play

WILD AT BEST (#9, 4-1) Ky.-bred filly comes extremely well-prepped by Mullins while favorably drawn in the open-air outside box for her career debut here. Doesn’t seem to catch a wildly talented group, and her M/L of 4-1 reflects as much; Baze really been going after it since returning with newfound ambition; fully expect to see her run a big one on a stalk-and-see trip in this unveiling. – Marty McGee

Vulnerable Favorite

GOUYEN (#3, 5-2) flashed ample talent in her lone start at BHP Dec. 22 when after a slow start she stalked the pace, surged to a clear lead into the lane but then couldn’t fend off the promising Koukla while finishing well clear of 3rd (5 lengths). All that is enough to merit favoritism here but there are a few issues: she hasn’t been seen since, it’s first time dirt and while she’s bred for it you never know until they race on it, and that good debut means a short number at the windows. Also, it’s not as if she’s running into a bunch of pushovers here, either. -Michael Hammersly

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Race 5

Spot Play

DI GIORGIO (#8, 5-2) was good enough in his native Argentina to be a Grade 1 winner, and good enough to get close to top-class Indy Point (now a Grade 2 winner and Grade 1 placed in the U.S.) a number of times and even beat that rival. He had an ideal tightener as he came down the hill in his first U.S. start Jan. 26, stalked the pace and kept to his task nicely to be 3rd in a very strong sprint. That should have him set up perfectly for this longer game, which he surely prefers. -Michael Hammersly

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Race 6

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Race 7

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Race 8

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