World-class Thoroughbred racing returned to Tampa Bay Downs last Wednesday, November 22. The Opening Day card of the 2023-2024 meet kicked off the tracks 98th year of operation.

The first Graded Stakes of the meet are the $175,000 Endeavour Stakes (G3) and the Tampa Bay Stakes (G3) both taking place on February 3rd.

With the Kentucky Derby in mind- the running of the $250,000 dollar, Grade 3, Sam F. Davis Stakes is February 10th.  The Sam F. Davis awards points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby to the first five finishers.

The showcase event for this meet is (as always) the Tampa Bay Derby.  The 44th edition of this Grade 2, $400,000 dollar race will be held on March 9th. 

Not only will the Kentucky Derby prospects be running the mile-and-a-sixteenth for the purse money, but the first five finishers also earn qualifying points on the Road To The Kentucky Derby. 

Tampa Bay Downs races on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with Sundays added to the mix on December 31st 

There is no racing on Easter, March 31st.

Tampa Bay Downs offers decent cards on their limited schedule, which leads to large fields and very good payouts.

Best of luck if you choose to play at Tampa Bay.