By Joe Quillen
We head to Tampa Bay Downs for the final time for their meet as we will look at their seventh race on their card which is a five furlong turf sprint for older horses. Post time is projected for 3:33 pm Eastern time.
The 3 Thealligatorhunter (8/5 morning line) is favored here and returns after a two-month break after finishing fourth in the Turf Dash at this same distance at Tampa. He’s a versatile six-year-old gelding that can sprint on turf or dirt. He will be close to the pace if not on the lead.
The 8 Nic’s Bro (10/1 ML) returns after an 11-month break and probably needs this race. But he barely missed twice last year at this distance at Gulfstream. He could be stalking on the outside ready to pounce.
The 9 Impacto (9/2 ML) is first time turf here and should be gunning for the lead from the start. If he takes to the turf, he could wire this field.
The 6 Two Steppin Kluki (10/1 ML) does look like a gelding that runs well at this distance on the turf yet doesn’t win. Seems like there are a lot of horses with turf inexperience, and this horse is experienced on the green.
I think if Nic’s Bro is ready first race off of this long layoff, he will have the closing kick to win here. I’ll call this 8-3-6-9 and my first play for May is $20 to win on the 8. Good luck everyone!
Reminder that this Saturday’s “Also Eligible” will be live from 8 to 10 am on The Sports Radio 102.9 The Game app, The Bleacher Brothers YouTube, X and Twitch accounts as well as on BroadStSouth.com and BleacherBrothers.com. It will be Kentucky Derby Day and we will look at the Run for the Roses as well as some additional races on the Churchill card.