Tampa Bay Downs šš¾// Sat., Feb. 8, 2025
- Fink
- Feb 8
- 4 min read
Happy Saturday & National Flying a Kite Day šŖ
It's been cold and rainy across the country as we find ourselves in the depths of winter, so let's warm up and head to Florida to play the ponies at Tampa Bay Downs. We have a solid card today with a total of 12 races, including three stakes races, a Kentucky Derby Prep, and a Kentucky Oaks Prep.
Itās been a while since weāve played this track, but when prep points are on the line, we're ready to dig deep to help you cash some tickets. Last week, Citizen Bull secured his position at the top of the leaderboard by winning his third prep race, bringing his points total to 60. This practically guarantees Bob Baffert his first starter in the Kentucky Derby since his suspension was lifted.
Today, Poster has the chance to move up right behind Citizen Bull with a win. Adding 20 points would bring his total to 30, giving him and trainer Eoin G. Harty (his first Derby starter since 2018) a solid shot at making the starting gate. For reference, last year, 30 points would have allowed Poster to draw in after a few horses chose not to run or were scratched.
The only other horse with points in todayās Derby prep is Owen Almighty. If he wins today, the Brian Lynch-trained colt would be tied for second place. While 25 points doesnāt guarantee a spot in the starting gate, it would put him in striking distance and create a great path to securing one.
We will have 10 runners total for the Sam F. Davis, with five horses earning points today. The leaderboard for the ladies will also see some changes as there will be eight runners in the Suncoast Stakes. Again, the top five will earn points toward the leaderboard, and a win for Her Laugh could solidify her position, bringing her to 30 points, just behind Tenma at 33 points. Her Laugh is coming off an Oaks prep win at Fairgrounds last December. Not to be overlooked, La Cara is looking to tie Tenma with 33 points today. After winning her first prep race in September, she finished fifth among a strong field in November at Del Mar.
Today's weather is exactly what we need to escape the cold, rain, or snow, with highs in the mid-80s and sunny skies. The track is fast, and the turf is firm, providing perfect conditions for today's prep-filled card. Now, let's take a look at some history for both prep races before we get to the picks!
Featured Races:
šR9: 150K Suncoast S.
The Suncoast Stakes is a one-mile and 40-yard race for three-year-old fillies, held annually at Tampa Bay Downs in Florida. Established as an important early-season race, it has gained significance as a prep for the Kentucky Oaks, offering qualifying points (20-10-6-4-2) to the top five finishers. Over the years, the race has seen notable winners, including Dreaming of Snow (2023), who defeated the heavily favored champion Wonder Wheel. The race has grown in prominence, attracting top trainers and fillies looking to make an impact on the national stage.
šR11: 250K Sam F. Davis S.
The Sam F. Davis Stakes is a 1 1/16 Miles race on Dirt for 3 Yr. Olds. It was inaugurated in 1981 at Tampa Bay Downs and has become a prominent early-season race for three-year-old thoroughbreds. It will award qualifying points (20-10-6-4-2) toward a place in the Kentucky Derby starting gate to the top five finishers. Named after Sam F. Davis, a respected horseman and advocate for racing in Florida, the race has grown in prestige over the decades. Over the years, it has showcased future racing stars, including Destin (2016), who set a track record, and Classic Causeway (2022), who later won the Tampa Bay Derby.
Need help pickin' winners? We've got you covered! Our Lundin Line's - (Always Free) top picks and best bets are below in this post. We use them to help narrow the field while putting our tickets together. The first post will be here soon, so don't be late -
It's time to get #InTheMoney! š°š°š°! Oh - VĆ£o pĆ”ssaros!š¦
Oh, and don't forget to follow us @_TurtleSports and subscribe to our site so you don't miss any of the action. You'll be glad you did! Let's Ride! šš¾
Tampa Bay Downs šš¾ // Sat., Feb. 8th, 2025
1st Post @ 12:05 (ET) / 9:05 (PT)
R1: 9-5-2-11(AE)-10
R2: 4-9-1-6
R3: 6ā-1-3-2
R4: 6-2-10-8
R5ā: 4-7-2-5
R6ā: 4-6-8-5
R7: 3-8-7-5
R8: 7-1-10-9
šR9ā/KO: 6-3-4-2
Mr. W: 4-8-1-2
Bill: 6-3-4-2
Mr. Fink: 6-3-4-7
R10: 7-14(AE)-12-2-4
šR11ā/DP: 6-4-7-3
Mr. W: 7-3-6-8
Ā Ā Bill: 6-8-3-7
Ā Ā Mr. Fink: 4-6-7-9
R12: 4-7-3-8
āBest Bet(s)
R3: Kiss Me Slow (#6)
ātakes Races
R5: 125K Pelican S.
6 Furlongs on Dirt for 4 Yr. Olds & Up
R6: 100K Minaret S.
6 Furlongs on Dirt for 4 Yrs. Old & Up
šR9: 150K Suncoast S.
1 Mile 40 Yds. on Dirt for Fillies, 3 Yrs. Old
KY Oaks Prep: Pts = 20-10-6-4-2
šR11: 250K Sam F. Davis S.
1 1/16 Miles on Dirt for 3 Yr. Olds
KY Derby Prep: Pts = 20-10-6-4-2
From our friends at https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/
Hit us up @_TurtleSports and let us know what you think!
-TSL
/ As always, please forgive any typos and grammatical errors
KomentĆ”Åe