The highly anticipated Tampa Bay Derby, a key qualifier for the Kentucky Derby, is scheduled for March 8th at Tampa Bay Downs. This prestigious event offers a total of 105 points to its top five finishers, with significant implications for the Triple Crown races. The race has produced notable winners in recent years, including Street Sense in 2007 and Tapwrit in 2017. This year’s field features seven promising 3-year-olds, headlined by the return of two-time Grade 1 winner Chancer McPatrick. The race will be televised on FS2 and FanDuel TV, with a post time of 5:34 p.m. ET.

Proven Contenders Seek Redemption and Glory

Several horses bring impressive pedigrees and previous successes into this year's Tampa Bay Derby. Owen Almighty, trained by Brian Lynch, aims to capitalize on his local experience after finishing second in the Sam F. Davis Stakes. Despite being disqualified in an earlier race, he remains a strong contender with Irad Ortiz Jr., one of the nation’s leading jockeys, riding him. His familiarity with Tampa’s track could give him a strategic edge over his competitors.

Owen Almighty has shown versatility in his running style, pressing the pace in both short and longer races. After setting the pace in the Pasco Stakes and finishing second in the Sam F. Davis Stakes, he now seeks redemption in the Tampa Bay Derby. Trainer Brian Lynch acknowledges that while a win here would be significant, Owen Almighty may not compete in the Kentucky Derby due to distance considerations. Instead, he plans a shorter-distance campaign for the summer. His resilience and adaptability make him a formidable opponent, especially on familiar turf.

Emerging Talents Ready to Make Their Mark

This year’s race also introduces several newcomers eager to prove their mettle. Among them is Chancer McPatrick, making his 3-year-old debut after recovering from minor ankle surgery. Trained by Chad Brown, who won last year’s Tampa Bay Derby, Chancer McPatrick boasts two Grade 1 victories as a 2-year-old. Although he stumbled in his two-turn debut, recent workouts indicate he’s ready to shine. Regular jockey Flavien Prat will likely position him near the back initially, aiming to unleash his closing speed in the final stretch.

Hill Road, another entrant under Chad Brown, makes his 3-year-old debut alongside stablemate Chancer McPatrick. After a surprising third-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Hill Road has been transferred from England and shows promise in his training sessions. Both Hill Road and Filoso will wear blinkers for the first time, aimed at sharpening their focus. Brodeur, though lacking stakes experience, enters off two consecutive wins and aims to test his abilities against tougher competition. Patch Adams, known for his high-speed figures, seeks to improve on his fourth-place finish in the Southwest Stakes. Each horse brings unique strengths, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive race.