We head south to Tampa Bay Downs for today’s featured races. Today’s race is a field of ten horses that have never won two races running a mile and an eighth on the grass.
Tampa Bay Downs Race 5 – Claiming $25,000
Favored in our race today is the 8 Jamestown (2/1 ML). He has been racing in allowance company the last few times without success. He does have an excuse in his race last time out as he had to steady in the stretch. But other than his lone win In October 2023, he has never hit the board.
The 6 Rose View (9/2 ML) did not show much last time against starter handicap company here at the end of December. He has shown that he can run on the turf against claiming company in the past. He does look like a closer here in this race today.
The 7 Rough and Rowdy (6/1 ML) finished third in an off the turf race a couple weeks ago at Tampa. The prior race was on the turf where he closed well but just missed. He has not had many races on the turf, but he has shown that he can handle the turf at the right claiming level.
The 3 Maximatch (4/1 ML) has not shown much in his two races at Tampa after breaking his maiden at Laurel last September. He dropped in for a claiming tag here today and looks go get back on track today. He looks like a horse that could try to go gate to wire here today.
Joe’s Pick
I admit that this is a race that might be devoid of talent, but this is still a race that I am interested in because I feel like every race is a puzzle to solve.
I think that you are going to need a horse here where they have shown at least some consistency here. Those two are Rose View and Rough and Rowdy. Rose View does come back in for a tag here today and should find this spot comfortable enough to win here.
I’ll call this race 6-7-8-3 and my play is $20 to win on the 6. Best of luck everyone and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!