Santa Anita: DRF Plus handicapping report for February 22, 2014

Race 1

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Race 2

Vulnerable Favorite

BRAVE ACT (#1, 5-2) was freshened almost 3 months and came back with a very smart 2nd here Jan. 9. That came on dirt, yes, and today we’re on turf but he’s shown he handles the sod well. That being said, while his 3 turf routes were nice it’s not like he was a real factor in the lane in them (beaten 3 3/4, 2 1/4 and 4 lengths, respectively) and in each he lost ground to the winner from the furlong pole to the wire, making you wonder if furlong No. 8 here can cause him problems again – particularly when you’re embracing the short price. -Michael Hammersly

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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

BARUTA (#11, 7-2), Group 1-placed in Brazil, is working super for her U.S. debut. She draws a cozy outside post in this N1X turf sprint, adds Lasix and runs well fresh. -Brad Free

Spot Play

KYRIAKI (#1, 6-1) flashed enough talent last winter/spring that off her maiden win she tried 4 straight graded stakes. After a good 3rd in the Grade 3 Senorita at BHP May 11 she was no factor in a couple Grade 2s in the summer and hasn’t been seen since. She’s worked in solid fashion for her return, drops and attracts leading rider Bejarano. Oh, and the one time Bejarano was aboard the result was that smart aforementioned maiden win. -Michael Hammersly

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Race 7

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Race 8

Spot Play

SUMMER HIT (#3, 5-2) has the tactical edge over LAKERVILLE, the favorite. The front-running style of ’HIT is ideal turning back to a sprint. He won on the hillside course a year ago. -Brad Free

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Race 9

Spot Play

If PROFIRE and LOVE FOREVER are upset, SPECTACULARJOURNEY (#6, 8-1) could be the one. He gets a beneficial jockey switch to Tyler Baze, and has run races that put him in the hunt. -Brad Free

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