We head south to Florida for today’s QPW. Today’s race is at Tampa Bay Downs, where we have three-year-old fillies racing seven furlongs on the main track. Eight fillies are entered in this allowance optional claiming race.
Tampa Bay Downs Race 6 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Favored in our feature race is the 6 Andrea (2/1 morning line). She comes in from Gulfstream Park, where she last raced on New Year’s Day. She quickly gave way in the Cash Run Stakes and has not been seen since. After the break, she hopes to get back to the form she had when she started her career with two front running scores.
The 4 Madam Mitole (5/2 ML) could duel with the favorite on the front end. She broke her maiden two races back at Tampa going get to wire. A race around two turns did not go well and she returns to sprinting today. But the concern may be that she is returning 12 days later.
The 2 Junta (6/1 ML) broke her debut going today’s distance on Christmas Eve and has regressed since. She had a mild gain on the outside last month here at Tampa. If a speed duel does develop, she might return to that Christmas Eve form.
The 8 Obliging (3/1 ML) faced the boys last time out and did not have the closing kick needed but was wide on the turn to the finish. She returns to her own general today and should like the relief of facing fellow fillies.
Joe’s Pick
If there is one handicapping angle that I try to play even more than second or third race off of a layoff, it is a filly or mare returning to her own gender. Obliging fits this category here today. I am expecting her to be able to close here with Madam Mitole or the 1 I’mwishingonastar (12/1 ML) dueling on the lead. I’ll take Obliging here today.
I’m calling this 8-2-6-4 and my play is $20 to play on the 8. Best of luck everyone and I will see you in the winner’s circle!