Florida horse racing takes center stage on Wednesday. Both Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs will run. Tampa is known by many to have some of the most competitive turf racing in the country.
Tampa Bay Downs races every week on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through May 7th.
Wednesday Analysis
Tampa Bay Downs Race 1
Post: 12:20 PM ET; Purse: $13,000 Claiming, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 7
#6 I KICKN (7-5) should be competitive today based on the horse's speed & form. #5 MR. EDGAR (8-5) is in with a great chance based on the horse's class & power rating. #3 HOT AND HEAVY (10-1) has competitive numbers in a lot of key metrics and the 10-1 price makes this runner especially interesting. Another big price worth a look is #2 GOLD WING (12-1) who merits consideration in this spot given the projected setup of today’s race.
Selections: 6-5-3-2
Tampa Bay Downs Race 2
Post: 12:49 PM ET; Purse: $14,500 Maiden Claiming, 7 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 8
#2 READY TO RUMBLE (12-1) has some of the best breeding in this modest group. I love shopping for prices in these types of races and this one just might be able to spring at a huge price. #3 BEAUTIFUL ROSALIA (6-1) is another longshot who could spring the upset here, though admittedly it would take a progression from past performances. #6 DOLCISIMA (2-1) is the clear choice based on speed figures, but that can be deceiving in races at this level. #5 QUEEN'S BEST (8-1) goes out for great connections at a great price.
Selections: 2-3-6-5
Tampa Bay Downs Race 3
Post: 1:19 PM ET; Purse: $14,500 Maiden Claiming, 1 1/16 Miles on Turf; Entries: 13
#5 KING FORCE (9-2) should be competitive today based on the horse's speed & form. #10 CREATIVE CHOICE (3-1) has the top pace numbers in the group and should be given a look. #9 GRUNDER (5-1) is a hunch play for those who loved hearing Richard Grunder on the mic at Tampa Bay until his retirement last year. On paper the horse looks reasonable. #12 BLACK LIMO (8-1) is a longshot who could factor into the vertical exotics.
Selections: 5-10-9-12
Tampa Bay Downs Race 4
Post: 1:48 PM ET; Purse: $13,500 Claiming, 7 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 8
#4 POSEIDEN (5-1) should be in the right spot early to give this horse a chance to get the job done. Early speed at 7 furlongs can be deadly. #3 HIMELSTEIN (5-2) is worth a look here given edges in record at the distance & power rating. #5 SAINT BENEVOLENCE (15-1) has been running well and has back speed figures that line up with this crew. #1 CASTLE KING (6-1) has quality connections and must be respected.
Selections: 4-3-5-1
Tampa Bay Downs Race 5
Post: 2:18 PM ET; Purse: $27,000 Allowance, 1 Mile on Turf; Entries: 7
#4 JOYOUS TIMES (6-1) by my estimation the morning line maker missed on this one. Speed and class numbers that are superior to many of these. Maybe this one doesn’t win, but at the price is worth a hefty shot. #2 IN ITALIAN (3-2) has a top power rating and the barn is top class. #7 WORLD TOUR (5-1) could get a perfect pace scenario today. #5 JEAN V'S LEGACY (8-1) could make things interesting underneath.
Selections: 4-2-7-5 (Best Bet: #4 JOYOUS TIMES)
Tampa Bay Downs Race 6
Post: 2:48 PM ET; Purse: $13,500 Claiming, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 8
#8 LYRICAL (6-1) should be competitive today based on the horse's speed & form. #3 PALMGIRL (2-1) is worth a look here given edges in class & record at the distance. #2 GONE DREAMING (5-2) should be in the right spot early to give this horse a chance to get the job done. #5 TRULY AMBITIOUS (9-2) could get a perfect pace scenario today.
Selections: 8-3-2-5
Tampa Bay Downs Race 7
Post: 3:18 PM ET; Purse: $18,000 Maiden Claiming, 1 Mile on Turf; Entries: 10
#3 CAPETOWN CANDY (9-2) looks tough to beat here given the edge in a number of key categories including speed & class. #7 GOLD WATCH (5-2) has a solid foundation and the breeding suggests this one could be a productive turf runner long term. #8 MURUMBI (8-1) is proven as a good bet to at least hit the board under today's distance and surface conditions. #6 BIG TENTATIONS (4-1) is another competitive runner in this wide open field.
Selections: 3-7-8-6
Tampa Bay Downs Race 8
Post: 3:48 PM ET; Purse: $17,500 Claiming, 7 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 8
#8 MIZZEN AIR (7-2) should be competitive today based on the horse's speed & race flow. #6 NOTHINS FREE (5-2) merits consideration in this spot given the competitive speed & power rating. #4 DR. ANN (9-2) is the classiest individual in the group. Coupled with some early speed and this one could be dangerous. #3 SHACKADELIC (5-1) comes into the race signaling a big performance in the near future.
Selections: 8-6-4-3
Tampa Bay Downs Race 9
Post: 4:18 PM ET; Purse: $20,000 Claiming, 1 Mile on Turf; Entries: 10
#3 JOJO'S DREAM (8-1) is an undervalued runner who has gone up against tougher in recent starts. #2 CROI MOR (5-2) is with a great chance based on the horse's stamina & power rating. #5 FLOWMOTION (3-1) is another dangerous runner given the speed & pace numbers put up in the past performances. #1 THREEOHTWOCASSIE (20-1) is a bomb who shouldn’t be discounted for the third and fourth rung of the vertical gimmick wagers.
Selections: 3-2-5-1
Betting News Free Handicapping Tools
For help with all of your week’s selections from Tampa Bay Downs, Gulfstream Park and more, don’t forget to check out the Betting News free handicapping tools. Given the unpredictable weather around this time of year these real time tools can be a huge asset when having to call audibles due to scratches.
