Stakes Saturday in Tampa Bay

 Another Derby Prep is on tap for this Stakes Saturday as we look in on a full field down in Tampa.

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

A nice full field of twelve will go to the gate in search of Kentucky Derby points.

Past Performances used:  DRF Formulator.

There is plenty of speed to put some steam on the pace. Speed numbers are fairly close allowing any of these lads to take a major step forward toward victory. Only five have raced over the Tampa Bay surface. All have trained well coming into this race. It should be a tremendous race. Eight have been nominated to the Triple Crown.

#3 Candy Man Rocket (Jr. Alvarado / Mott) could have the edge with the highest last out speed number and two terrific workouts. This guy already has notched a win over the Tampa dirt. He will be seeking his third win in a row. Look for him to be forwardly placed in a strategic position. A son of Candy Ride [ARG], he is 66% in the money from three career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#8 Hidden Stash (Bejarano / Oliver) should challenge with the second highest last out speed number and three superb peaking workouts. This fella has hit the board in all three of his starts at this distance. Look for him to take advantage of a fast pace with his tracking capability. A son of Constitution, he is 80% in the money from five career starts.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#2 Super Strong (Gallardo / Joseph) should contend with a first place finish last out and four dynamite workouts. He will be stretching out to this distance and will be running over the Tampa Bay surface for the first time. This son of Kentucky Derby winner, Super Saver, will be making his second career start. It is likely he will track the pace and strike.

$2 SHOW.

#11 Promise Keeper (L. Saez / Pletcher) should take another step forward with the third highest last out speed number and two sound workouts. Look for him to be forwardly placed in the mix from the opening bell. He will be making his third start of the form cycle. Another son of Constitution, he is 50% in the money from two career starts.

$1 SHOW.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#3 Candy Man Rocket  //  #8 Hidden Stash,  #2 Super Strong,  #11 Promise Keeper.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#3 Candy Man Rocket  +  #8 Hidden Stash  +  #2 Super Strong  +  #11 Promise Keeper.

Previous Stakes Saturday (2/20) Results

Santa Anita Park R7.  Buena Vista--G2.  Our first pick, Going to Vegas, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Mucho Unusual, finished 2nd for place money of $4.20 and show money of $4.50.  Our third pick, Red Lark [IRE], finished 5th.

We failed in our Exacta Wheel play.  Superfecta went 8-2-3-7.

Bankroll drops like a rock to settle at $83.93.