Santa Anita

Santa Anita: DRF Plus handicapping report for January 16, 2014

DRF Staff|Jan 15, 2014

Race 1	Closer Looks >>
Race 2	Closer Looks >>
Race 3	Spot Play The pick six begins with a single in HOBBITS HERO (#2, 2-1). Claimed last out by Jeff Mullins (three wins Sunday), the lightly raced 3-year-old should clear the field and roll gate to wire in his first route. -Brad Free Spot Play CLOUDS CLEARING (#1, 3-1) may be poised to turn the corner. He showed dirt talent at BSR in the summer (ran 2nd in a sprint). He was freshened, came back to be 4th in a sprint on BHP’s main track Nov. 10 and rallied to be a decent 3rd routing on turf there Dec. 15. He looks headed the right way, returns to dirt, gets blinkers and showed his readiness with a super 4-furlong bullet work at BHP Jan. 12 (:46.80, fastest of 27 that day at that distance). -Michael Hammersly Closer Looks >>
Race 4	Closer Looks >>
Race 5	Spot Play HAPPYBIRTHDAYBABY (#2, 3-1) was claimed last out by Jerry Hollendorfer. She drops in class, from allowance vs. older into a claiming race for 4yo fillies. Her previous best was her only other sprint on turf. -Brad Free Closer Looks >>
Race 6	Spot Play MATZO BALL MAGIC (#11, 10-1) chased a solid pace last time racing inside and behind horses, before ultimately tiring late. Now he moves to the outside post in a maiden-30 without serious speed. Upset candidate. -Brad Free Vulnerable Favorite COMMON CONFUSION (#3, 7-2) starts as the lukewarm ML favorite on the strength of improving form and a decent rallying 3rd in a spot like this Dec. 26. However, he wasn’t really a threat in the lane (was further behind at the finish than he was at the 1/8 pole) and the Beyer didn’t come back overwhelming (56) so it’s not as if he comes here looking that much stronger than a few others and instead of 10-1 like last time you’re getting a much shorter number today. -Michael Hammersly Closer Looks >>
Race 7	Closer Looks >>
Race 8	Spot Play First-timers PUTAHEXONHER (#7, 12-1) and HOT OUTTA THE OVEN (#6, 12-1) both are odds-beating candidates. The trainer of ’HEX, Eric Kruljac pops with occasional firsters. ’OVEN is a sibling to multiple winners Master Chef and She’s Very Rare, from a stable has won many races with late-starting firsters. This mare is 5. -Brad Free Closer Looks >>

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