After a trip to the Southwestern part of the United States, we head to what is our Wednesday winter stop as we head to Tampa Bay Downs for today’s race. Today we are looking at the fifth race on their card.
In this race, we have fillies and mares in this starter allowance race going a mile and a sixteenth on the turf. In order to run today, a filly or mare must have been entered for a claiming tag of $25,000 or less in 2023 or 2024.
Tampa Bay Downs Race 5 – Starter Allowance $25,000
Favored in this field of ten is the 7 Damaso (3/1 morning line). She shows up today after an almost four-month layoff. She is a filly that has the tendency to go for the lead and then tire. But she has won three of seven races on the turf at Tampa, winning two of those races last season.
The 3 Katies a Lady (6/1 ML) had a rare race that she did not get the lead last time out at Tampa Bay Downs. She was blocked through most of the stretch but had a nice re-rally to finish third. If she does not go for the lead like she did last month at Tampa, she could be looking at a big race at a nice price.
The 2 Goodbetterbest (5/1 ML) is back after missing exactly two months. She comes in after a trainer change here after spending 2024 at Gulfstream Park. She has a tendency to go for the lead, but if she doesn’t go for that lead, she will be comfortable stalking her summer races on the Tapeta at Gulfstream.
The 4 Next Episode (8/1 ML) appears to be the closer in this race. She showed nothing at Aqueduct in October before heading south for the winter. If the speed duel that I expect to happen with horses such as the 1 Simply Striking (15/1 ML), the 5 Beach Ready (5/1 ML) and the 9 Tiki Bar (12/1 ML), this filly may be your pick.
Joe’s Pick
Many handicappers like to play horses that had significant trouble. I watched a replay of Katies a Lady’s last race, and the wall of horses that kept her from making a timely move was significant. If she gets a cleaner trip and doesn’t get boxed in from all sized by all horses, she wins.
I’ll take her today in a mild upset here at Tampa Bay Downs. I’ll call this race 3-4-7-2 and my wager is $20 to win on the 3. Best of luck everyone and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!