It's Derby Time in Tampa

On this Stakes Saturday we take in another fine prep for that first Saturday in May.

Tampa Bay Downs Race 11 {Tampa Bay Derby~G2~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A fine crop of ten will battle for Derby points in this terrific graded stakes race. There is enough speed to insure an honest pace. Speed figs are fairly close. All have been nominated to the Triple Crown, but only six have raced over the Tampa dirt. It should be a sensational race as we get closer to KD 143.

#5 Tapwrit (J. Ortiz / Pletcher) looks to have the edge with the highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two sound workouts. This guy should be tracking a speedy pace and launch smoothly into the stretch. A son of Tapit, he also holds the highest speed number at the distance.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 No Dozing (Centeno / Delacour) should challenge with a couple of decent last out speed numbers and two quality workouts. He is another tracking that should strike heading into the stretch. A son of Union Rags, he has raced over the Tampa dirt and looks to improve.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#8 State of Honor (Leparoux / Casse) should contend with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two hearty workouts. This guy appears to like the Tampa dirt finishing in the money in his only start over it. A son of To Honor and Serve, he could be a part of the pace action on the front end.

$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#3 Basha (Jaramillo / Zerpa) should be in the hunt with a couple of good last out speed numbers with in the money performances. He is working a three race progression and has put in two strengthening workouts. A son of Uncle Mo, he should take a close-up tracking position.

#9 Wild Shot (Albarado / Arnold) enjoys this distance and should be forwardly placed battling for position. He holds the third highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and two robust workouts. A son of Trappe Shot, he has already raced over the Tampa dirt.

#6 Beasley (I. Ortiz / Hennig) looks to take another step forward with the fourth highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three powerful workouts. This son of Shakleford will be racing over the Tampa dirt for the first time while being forwardly placed.

10 CENT Superfecta

#5 Tapwrit  /  #4 No Dozing  /  #8 State of Honor  /  #3 Basha, #9 Wild Shot, #6 Beasley.

Furlong Friday Results

Santa Anita Park R5.  Wishing Well Stakes.  Our pick, Miss Double d'Oro, finished 3rd for show money of $3.20.

Superfecta went 3-5-4-7.

Bankroll gets a little lift to $79.87.