Tampa Bay Downs
Race #11
Tampa Bay Derby (Post Time: 5:28 ET) Surface: Dirt
1 1/16 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds | G2 STAKES | Purse: $350,000
Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta ($.50 minimum) / Superfecta ($.10 minimum)
The Mark Casse trained, Prospective (8-1), will seek a prospective victory in the Grade II, $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby for 3-year-old Triple Crown candidates on Saturday. The son of Malibu Moon is coming off a tough second-place finish in the Grade III, Sam F. Davis Stakes, ran last month on today's sandy surface, in which the public backed him as co-favorite. Breaking from the far outside, Prospective was stuck five wide through the first turn, as regular jock Luis Contreras attempted to settle him in to a more favorable racing position down the back stretch. The circumstances allowed the leaders to draw further away than his connections desired, and the dark brown colt was asked to make his move well before the stretch run four wide through the second turn. Casse equips Prospective with blinkers for the first time today in an effort to keep the horse focused and forward. A stalking run in this race is ideal for the win, especially with a few speed horses aiming to race hard to the front from the far outside.
Race #11
Tampa Bay Derby (Post Time: 5:28 ET) Surface: Dirt
1 1/16 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds | G2 STAKES | Purse: $350,000
Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta ($.50 minimum) / Superfecta ($.10 minimum)
The Mark Casse trained, Prospective (8-1), will seek a prospective victory in the Grade II, $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby for 3-year-old Triple Crown candidates on Saturday. The son of Malibu Moon is coming off a tough second-place finish in the Grade III, Sam F. Davis Stakes, ran last month on today's sandy surface, in which the public backed him as co-favorite. Breaking from the far outside, Prospective was stuck five wide through the first turn, as regular jock Luis Contreras attempted to settle him in to a more favorable racing position down the back stretch. The circumstances allowed the leaders to draw further away than his connections desired, and the dark brown colt was asked to make his move well before the stretch run four wide through the second turn. Casse equips Prospective with blinkers for the first time today in an effort to keep the horse focused and forward. A stalking run in this race is ideal for the win, especially with a few speed horses aiming to race hard to the front from the far outside.
Morning-line favorite, Spring Hill Farm (5-2), is one of those darters who will shoot to the front end of the field. With two victories from two lifetime starts, Todd Pletcher's horse will certainly be a contender, but will have to work hard to stay up front. Spring Hill Farm won last time out in the slop while on the lead in his only route effort at Gulfstream Park. Questions remain, however, if the son of Smart Strike can hold his stamina on a deeper surface at this class level. Thoroughbred writer and seasoned handicapper, Peter Mallett, published a wonderful preview to today's race, pointing out that Pletcher has saddled five very short prices for this race and only one has gone on to win (Limehouse). Moreover, out of nine starters total for the Hall of Fame trainer, seven have finished second and one for show.
Cajun Charlie (15-1) enters this race with three wins out of five starts. The shipper will be facing much tougher in today's contest after beating up on Louisiana state-bred competition in his previous outings. He is breaking from the far outside and will look to challenge Spring Hill Farm and others for the lead. If he can get to the first turn comfortably he may be in a nice position to control the race to his liking. Carrying high weight is an issue, but we would not be shocked to see the chestnut gelding vie for the win in a speed duel, especially if the course comes up wet.
Selections:
1. #1 - Prospective (8-1)
2. #9 - Spring Hill Farm(5-2)
3. #12 Cajun Charlie (15-1)
Exotic spoiler:
2. #9 - Spring Hill Farm(5-2)
3. #12 Cajun Charlie (15-1)
Exotic spoiler:
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