The Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs is the Florida racetrack’s traditional prep for the Tampa Bay Derby and has become an increasingly important winter prep for the Kentucky Derby. The Sam F. Davis, contested at 1 1/16 miles over Tampa Bay Downs’ main dirt track, earned Grade 3 status in 2009. The race was not initially included in Churchill Downs’ Road to … Continue reading The Sam F. Davis
Tampa Bay Downs had live racing on Sunday December 26th, the day after Christmas. That’s welcome news for families, tourists and bettors seeking to enjoy an exciting weekend afternoon of Thoroughbred action or just soak up sunshine and atmosphere at the Florida track. While a Sunday spent handicapping by the rail and watching kids toss Frisbees in the Backyard Picnic Area seems commonplace, it wasn’t … Continue reading Sundays At Tampa
The Daily Racing Blog frequently posts about multi-race wagers and the intrinsic Value they offer. And while we often recommend how to play such wagers we don’t often delve into which horses to play. We’re going to change that up a bit here today and offer you our choices for the Late Pick 4 at Tampa Bay Downs Saturday afternoon, beginning in the 7th race. … Continue reading The Late Pick 4 @ Tampa
HELIUM had not started for 4½ months leading into Saturday’s Grade 2, $400,000 Tampa Bay Derby, and had never raced on any surface but the synthetic of Woodbine. But the Mark Casse-trained colt had better get used to running on dirt, as he effectively clinched a spot in the starting gate of this years Run For The Roses. HELIUM made a strong move in the far turn … Continue reading HELIUM Rises
Saturday’s $400,000 Tampa Bay Derby (G2) is Tampa Bay Downs signature prep race for this years Kentucky Derby. It brings together a competitive field of 3-year-olds vying for a total of 85 qualifying points for the May 1st Run For The Roses. With 50 of those points going to the Winner. The race has attracted a 12 horse field, and is the final contest on … Continue reading HIDDEN STASH In The Tampa Bay Derby
It was just last month that SOLE VOLANTE captured the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs with a closing rush to defeat the favored INDEPENDENCE HALL. That was a huge move forward, and he will now attempt the next step in the Grade 2, $400,000 dollar Tampa Bay Derby on Saturday. The Win by SOLE VOLANTE last month did not seem to … Continue reading Tampa Bay Derby Picks
Given the presence of INDEPENDENCE HALL Saturday in Tampa Bay Downs‘ Grade 3, $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes, this minor 2020 Kentucky Derby Prep Race will receive major attention. INDEPENDENCE HALL created a stir back in November when he Won the Nashua Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct with big speed numbers on both the Beyer Speed Figure and Time-form scale. But some of that luster came off later … Continue reading The Sam F. Davis Stakes @ Tampa
