This biweekly column delves into the world of horse racing, highlighting promising equine athletes. Racing analyst Keeler Johnson presents a detailed review of recent performances and previews upcoming races for horses that have caught his attention. The focus is on two standout runners: Nic’s Style, a sprinter with an impressive record, and Owen Almighty, a talented sprinter facing longer distances for the first time.

Nic’s Style: A Sprinter to Watch in the Minaret Stakes

Nic’s Style has consistently demonstrated her prowess in sprint races. With a remarkable 5-for-6 career record, this 5-year-old mare has only one blemish on her record—a second-place finish in the Grade 2 Gallant Bloom. Since then, she has claimed victories in the Pumpkin Pie at Aqueduct and the FTBOA City of Ocala Florida Sire stakes. Her most recent win was a commanding 2.5-length victory over R Disaster, who went on to win her next race. Under the guidance of hot jockey Junior Alvarado, Nic’s Style appears poised to claim another victory in the six-furlong Minaret Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.

Despite her stellar performance, there are some concerns. Nic’s Style withdrew from the Inside Information (G2) at Gulfstream Park in late January and missed a workout around that time. However, she recently completed a half-mile exercise last Sunday, signaling her readiness for the Minaret. Her proven track record and the expertise of her jockey make her a formidable contender in this ungraded stakes event. While uncertainty remains, her overall performance suggests that Nic’s Style will be a strong competitor in this race.

Owen Almighty: Testing His Limits in Longer Distances

Owen Almighty has established himself as a formidable sprinter, boasting an undefeated record in races up to seven furlongs. He dominated the Ellis Park Juvenile by nearly five lengths and showed promise even after a layoff, finishing first in Tampa’s Pasco before being disqualified to fifth place. Despite these successes, questions remain about his ability to handle longer distances. In his lone attempt at a route race, he finished second in the Iroquois (G3), a Kentucky Derby qualifier won by Jonathan’s Way, indicating he faced top-tier competition.

The upcoming Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs will provide crucial insights into Owen Almighty’s capabilities over two turns. This 1 1/16-mile race offers an opportunity to determine whether his speed translates to longer distances or if sprints remain his forte. Given his breeding for speed, there is optimism that Owen Almighty can excel in this challenge. The results will be pivotal in shaping his future racing strategy and determining his potential on the road to the Kentucky Derby.