Santa Anita: DRF Plus handicapping report for January 4, 2014

Race 1

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Race 2

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Race 3

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Race 4

Spot Play

YANKEE REBEL (#8, 3-1) comes out of a very strong main-track sprint at BHP Dec. 1, and a slow start didn’t help either. Besides, he may well be more comfortable on this footing (turf) even if he is 0 for 4 on it (but has 1 2nd, 2 3rds). It’s his first route but he sprints as though the added ground will be a boon, and surely the drop and the fact Bejarano takes the call help his cause. Coming out of sprints with some fast splits may translate into a nice stalking trip on the stretchout. -Michael Hammersly

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Race 5

Spot Play

First-time starter BAYERN (#5, 5-2) is working like the real deal for trainer Bob Baffert. Seven furlongs is fine; all systems go. -Brad Free

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Race 6

Spot Play

NAZARETH (#2, 12-1) is bred top and bottom for grass & might prove quick enough for downhill grass course over which trainer has 16 wins the last two years. - Marcus Hersh

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Race 7

Vulnerable Favorite

CAT BURGLAR (#4, 9-5) likely deserves favorite status off a big maiden win here routing Oct. 10 and good 2nd in a fast, fast sprint here Nov. 1. That being said, after offering some value in those 2 starts he’s now facing a tough field that includes a number of runners proven playing this game. And while his last 2 Beyers are smart (92, 93) they don’t give him any margin for error as, again, some of his foes have registered similar figs. -Michael Hammersly

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Race 8

Spot Play

JERANIMO (#9, 3-1) is the class of the field returning to his preferred conditions (turf route) for the first time since he won a G1. He is a potential low-odds overlay. -Brad Free

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