As the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds, all eyes turn to Tampa Bay Downs this weekend for a pivotal $400,000 Grade 3 event. The stakes are high as seven promising colts vie for glory and crucial qualifying points in a race that could redefine their paths to Churchill Downs.

Discover the Rising Stars Set to Shine at Tampa Bay Downs

Chancer McPatrick: Potential and Uncertainty

The anticipated favorite, Chancer McPatrick, has garnered attention with an impressive résumé from his juvenile season. Under the guidance of renowned trainer Chad Brown, he secured victories in prestigious races like the Hopeful (G1) and Champagne (G1). However, his transition to two-turn events has been less convincing. Following a sixth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), McPatrick underwent surgery for a bone chip, raising questions about his current form. Yet, history suggests that Brown’s top juveniles often improve significantly through the spring, making McPatrick a contender worth watching.While McPatrick's workouts have been limited, his pedigree and previous performances hint at untapped potential. This race may serve as a stepping stone, offering valuable experience before the more critical stages of the Triple Crown trail. Observers will be keen to see if he can bridge the gap between his one-turn brilliance and sustained endurance over longer distances.

Hill Road: An International Prospect Finds His Stride

Hill Road, another Brown trainee, brings an intriguing international background to the competition. Formerly trained in Ireland by Adrian Murray, Hill Road made a notable U.S. debut in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, finishing third despite starting from last place. This performance showcased his resilience but also raised concerns about his readiness for the rigors of American dirt racing.Since transitioning to the U.S., Hill Road has had limited preparation, logging only five timed workouts. Despite this, his raw talent and adaptability make him a dark horse in the field. If he can find his rhythm on the dirt, Hill Road could surprise many with a strong showing. His ability to adjust to different surfaces and conditions will be key, especially given the competitive nature of this race.

Owen Almighty: Consistent Performer with a Speed Bias

Owen Almighty has demonstrated consistency in his recent outings at Tampa Bay Downs. He led from start to finish in the Pasco Stakes before being disqualified to fifth place due to interference. In the Sam F. Davis Stakes, he narrowly missed out on victory, finishing second. These performances highlight his tactical speed and versatility.However, Owen Almighty's record shows a preference for shorter distances. All three of his sprint starts ended in victory, while he remains winless in races over a mile or longer. This raises doubts about his suitability for the 1 1/16-mile distance. Nonetheless, his familiarity with the track and consistent form make him a viable contender for a top-three finish. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if he can extend his stamina and maintain his competitive edge.

Patch Adams: A Hidden Gem Ready to Shine

Patch Adams enters the race as the under-the-radar favorite. His maiden special weight triumph at Churchill Downs was nothing short of spectacular, winning by 10 1/2 lengths and setting a near-track record. This effort earned him a 98 Beyer speed figure, the highest in the field. Although he faltered in the Southwest Stakes (G3), Patch Adams showed remarkable heart, rallying from seventh place to nearly claim victory.This resilience bodes well for his chances in the Tampa Bay Derby. With a clean start and favorable positioning, Patch Adams could secure a forward spot and leverage his speed into a breakthrough graded stakes win. His proven ability to handle both pace and pressure positions him as a formidable force in this competitive field.

Brodeur and Filoso: Respectable Contenders Seeking Breakthroughs

Both Brodeur and Filoso bring respectable pedigrees and solid performances to the table. Brodeur's allowance optional claiming win at Oaklawn Park demonstrated his potential, while Filoso's third-place finish in the Breeders' Futurity (G1) highlighted his class. However, neither has consistently delivered top-tier speed figures.Despite this, both horses have shown flashes of brilliance. Brodeur's versatility on the dirt and Filoso's experience in graded stakes provide them with opportunities to upset the favorites. Their performances will be pivotal in determining whether they can capitalize on their strengths and secure a memorable result.