Santa Anita: DRF Plus handicapping report for February 23, 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

Spot Play

PROUD VIXEN (#1, 4-1) is sure to improve. She worked sharply since her comeback; trainer Vladimir Cerin won twice recently second start back from a layoff. -Brad Free

Vulnerable Favorite

VELVET MESQUITE (#5, 2-1) is a perfect 2 for 2, yes, which likely merits favorite’s status but there are some issues. Both wins came sprinting on turf – neither factor applies today. This time she’s routing for the first time while racing on dirt for the first time, so those are new hurdles. She’s also up in class, going from facing state-breds only to facing open foes, some of whom are already proven routing on dirt. -Michael Hammersly

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Race 6

Spot Play

WINE STOCK (#5, 3-1) faced tougher in his recent comeback, drops into a maiden-40 starter, and switches to grass, and removes blinkers. -Brad Free

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Race 7

Spot Play

First-time starter PRESIDING JUSTICE (#3, 7-2) is bred to win early, from a good stable, and facing a soft bunch of maiden-30s. -Brad Free

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Race 8

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Race 9

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