Santa Anita: DRF Plus handicapping report for March 13, 2014

Race 1

Spot Play

Assuming he starts at or above his program odds, ATTA BOY PETE (#3, 3-1) would be a proper gamble. Compromised by pace last out, he looks like lone speed. -Brad Free

Vulnerable Favorite

ATTA BOY PETE (#3, 3-1) is the lukewarm ML favorite and the gelding certainly merits respect with his speed. He was a sharp, sharp 2nd down the hill at this level Dec. 26 (beaten only a neck). Still, the horse who beat him is liked up against him again here (Luckarack), he’s just 1 for his last 12 and he’s running into some tough customers. -Michael Hammersly

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Race 2

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Race 3

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Race 4

Spot Play

Comebacker BIORTHYM (#4, 3-1) figures to make the lead in this turf sprint. It appears she has trained well, and she gets an advantageous pace scenario. -Brad Free

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Race 5

Spot Play

First-timer WEST COAST STORM (#11, 6-1) meets modest maiden-claiming foes. Sired by Decarchy, she is a sibling to debut winner Mahogany Ridge. Trainer Doug O’Neill and jockey Tyler Baze comprise a historically winning combo. -Brad Free

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Race 6

Spot Play

She faces a good rival in SWEET BLISS, but EARTHLIGHT (#6, 6-1) should improve off her U.S. debut. European synthetic-surface specialists sometimes do well on firm turf in California. -Brad Free

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Race 7

Spot Play

IN DAD’S HONOR (#8, 5-2) appears to be sitting on a win. She was a good 3rd sprinting here Jan. 2 and then a very good 2nd (beaten a half-length) routing here Feb. 14, both against seemingly tougher than she faces in this spot. Not only was she well clear of others in that route (3 1/2 lengths) but that heat has been flattered (produced 2 next-out winners). That was her first route and she can benefit from that experience as she goes a bit longer for trainer Ellis who’s having a superb meet (9 for first 32, 28%). -Michael Hammersly

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Race 8

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Race 9

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