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

Race 1

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Race 2

Vulnerable Favorite

FAITH HOPE LOVE (#4, 7-5) surely deserves favoritism off 3 straight nice 2nds over this track, all sprints like she sees today. That being said, she’s burned some money in her last 2 (losing at 6-5 and 3-2) and while it’s a small field a few others in here look pretty salty and promising. And read into it what you will, but leading rider Bejarano was up for all 4 career starts, yet today ends up elsewhere (Seattle Charlie). And while there are plenty of positives here one thing that isn’t a positive is that you’ll likely be embracing a very short price again. -Michael Hammersly

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Race 3

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Race 4

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Race 5

Spot Play

Eight-time winner NOISE OF THE CROWD (#7, 3-1) is the only starter in this state-bred turf sprint entered for the $20k tag; her win on this downhill course in early October would crush. -Brad Free

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Race 6

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Race 7

Spot Play

"Likely winner” EMOLLIENT is listed at an unusually low even-money; STORMY LUCY (#2, 6-1) might be the one to bet. She prefers this longer distance, has flirted with top company, and will be ridden for the first time by Rafael Bejarano. -Brad Free

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Race 8

Spot Play

EL NINO TERRIBLE (#6, 6-1) chased some fast splits in the Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis here Feb. 8 and paid the price as he retreated turning for home. Hey, he was 45-1 as well so it’s not as if much was expected vs. those tough customers. This drop has to help and it’s no big panicky drop, either. He boasts a recent bullet 4f move SLR March 6 (:48.80) and it may be most telling that leading rider Bejarano takes the call. -Michael Hammersly

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Race 9

Spot Play

Veteran gelding CARBONITE (#6, 9-2) was compromised by a slow start last out. He broke slowly, trailed the field, came wide, and finished evenly in a productive race. With a clean takeoff, he can score a mild upset. -Brad Free

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