Santa Anita: DRF Plus handicapping report for October 27, 2013

Race 1

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TORTOLA was scratched from 9fs race Fri in favor of this 10fs race, an especially good sign considering in vastly improved last-out maiden win he showed decent pace and rallied steadily to win at 1 mile. If he is going to be better with added ground it increases likelihood he comes forward here.- Marcus Hersh

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Race 2

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Race 3

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Race 4

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APPEALING TALE (#8, 5-2) has been used before in this spot but just missed by a neck sprinting at this level Sept. 27 and was then 3rd in a stakes on the hill Oct. 20. Today comes a significant drop in class and a move to a route. And while his only 2 turf tries – both very nice – came sprinting, note his lone win came routing so this distance should be right up his alley, despite the far outside post (No. 8). Trainer Miller continues to push all the right buttons this meet (11 for first 47, 23%). -Michael Hammersly

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Race 5

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AMERICAN BLEND's two dirt routes, both at SA, are probably his best races among 8. Lightly raced 5yo is blinkers on with strong works for 1st start since May. Barn good with layoffs. The lower-priced horses might knock each other silly on the front end. - Marcus Hersh

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Race 6

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Race 7

Vulnerable Favorite

The quick TAKE ONE (#4, 2-1) is fastest in the field, but it turns out that the maidens she beat were not much. Secondly, her stable is cold. Pass at low odds. -Brad Free

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Race 8

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An ambitious strategy is planned for EL COMMODORE (#6, 5-1), who runs best on the lead. New rider Gary Stevens will ask the gelding for speed. Come catch him. -Brad Free

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Race 9

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The legit favorite is MARKET NOTES; second-time starter RUNAWAY QUE (#8, 6-1) is worth a gamble. In his pre-debut works, he showed speed. But in his debut, he was fanned wide and finished nowhere. He can improve at a price. -Brad Free

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