Santa Anita: DRF Plus handicapping report for February 9, 2014

Race 1

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Race 2

Spot Play

ADMISSION (#5, 2-1) meets a field that came up otherwise short on pace. Third start back, one-level class drop to $20k claiming, lone speed racing two turns, long gone. -Brad Free

Vulnerable Favorite

ADMISSION (#5, 2-1) really came into his own in the spring of 2012 but then came over 14 months on the bench. And while he’s shown improvement in his 3 starts since, while moving down the class ladder, and drops further yet again, he likely still needs another step forward against some salty customers here and you may be taking the worst of it pricewise if you’re banking on that. -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

Two potential overlays in this turf route. MOULIN DE MOUGIN (#12, 9-2) benefits from an easier pace scenario stretching from to a mile and one eighth. CLEAR PEARL (#4, 8-1) finished seventh in her U.S. debut, a race won by a stablemate. ’PEARL goes to Rafael Bejarano and should move up a ton. -Brad Free

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Race 7

Spot Play

DOOR’S OPEN (#9, 7-2) meets a slightly softer group in this N1X sprint. Last out he pressed a blistering pace and finished fourth. He has sharp recent workouts, and won 3 of 5 on this racetrack. -Brad Free

Spot Play

DOOR’S OPEN (#9, 7-2) put up a super performance when winning here Oct. 12 (91 Beyer) and in fact has done all his best work over this track (all 3 wins). He then chased a sizzling pace here Nov. 1 (faded to 6th) and chased another hot pace here Dec. 26 (faded to 4th). He has ample speed himself and probably won’t not have to deal with such hot splits here, meaning he can either make the running or press the issue from his outside slot and pounce when it counts. He has a nice work since and those last 2 running lines should keep his price generous. -Michael Hammersly

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Race 8

Spot Play

The odds dictate strategy in this filly-mare turf sprint. If favorite PURIM’S DANCER is overplayed, BIRDLOVER (#1, 4-1) might be the right bet. An improved filly this year, he scored a highly rated N2X win on this downhill course last month. -Brad Free

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Race 9

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