We continue to try to avoid the cold weather in the Northeast as we head east to Tampa Bay Downs for today’s featured race. Today’s race is a short field of six older fillies and mares in an allowance/optional claiming event going six furlongs on the main track. If you are entered for the claiming tag in this race, the owners are selling their horse for $100,000.
Also take note before we get to the horses in this race that I am expecting sloppy conditions today. It is supposed to rain through the morning, but the rain will stop before the racing begins today in Oldsmar, Florida. The track announced yesterday that the lone race on the turf has been moved to the main track, so be prepared for a race off the turf and wet conditions today.
Tampa Bay Downs Race 8 – Allowance/Optional Claiming 100k
Favored in today’s race is the 5 Launch (8/5 morning line). According to David Grenning of the Daily Racing Form, this filly will be running here opposed to the Inside Information Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday because this race is six furlongs. The stakes at Gulfstream is a furlong longer.
But with the potential track and weather conditions today, could she end up back at Gulfstream? There are no indications of that, but she did run well in her lone off track race last year at Gulfstream. She could go for the lead in this second race off of a layoff, but she tired in a race that she needed. But she does have the ability to stalk as well.
The 1 Ruthless Rua (2/1 ML) finished fourth by a length on a speed favoring track at Gulfstream three weeks ago. She won from the rail two races back at Churchill two races back and just missed in the slop last summer there. She could lead or stalk as well but she did get bumped around last time out.
The 2 Pacific Rose (4/1 ML) returns after last racing against Grade 2 company at Aqueduct back in September. She is back with a field that she can be competitive in here. She does not have the speed at the start but she might be able to pick up the pieces of a speed duel develops.
The 3 Broken Hearts Bay (8/1 ML) may benefit from a wet track here today. Her sire is Super Saver who won the Kentucky Derby back in 2009 in the slop and his offspring win 17% of their races. But she will have to gain a few lengths to win this race today.
Joe’s Pick
Launch has the most promise in this race. She could be back in some sprint stakes races later this year and it is no surprise she is cross entered for a sprint race at Gulfstream on Saturday. The question is does she stay in this race with the potential track condition.
I think the favorite has the chance to be alone on the lead here. If that’s the case, this race could be over quickly. I’ll take the favorite to win here today. I’l call this 5-3-1-2 and my play is $20 to win on the 5. Best of luck everyone and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!