In the heart of Florida, the racing world turns its attention to Tampa Bay Downs as it hosts a series of crucial races leading up to the prestigious Kentucky Derby. This week's event features a lineup of promising horses vying for recognition and a spot in the limelight. Among the notable contenders are Patch Adams, Chancer McPatrick, Hill Road, and Owen Almighty. The competition is fierce, with trainers like Chad Brown bringing their best strategies to the table. The article also delves into the Columbia Stakes, where Zulu Kingdom and Reagan’s Wit stand out among the field. With stakes this high, every move counts, and punters are eagerly placing their bets on the most promising runners.
The Tampa Bay Derby, set as Race #11, showcases a diverse group of horses looking to make their mark. One horse that has caught everyone's eye is Patch Adams, who returns after an underwhelming performance at Oaklawn. Despite facing several challenges in his previous outing, including being new to two-turn races and some missteps at the start, Patch Adams remains a formidable contender. His talent is undeniable, but he must prove himself once again on the track. Starting from an outside position, Patch Adams will need to replicate his maiden victory strategy, coming from just off the pace, to secure a top finish.
Chad Brown, one of the most respected trainers in the industry, enters two horses in this race. The first is Chancer McPatrick, who has been favored by many despite a lackluster sixth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Prior to that, Chancer McPatrick had been undefeated, boasting two impressive victories at Saratoga. However, concerns about distance and a short price point make him less appealing to some bettors. On the other hand, Hill Road, another Brown-trained horse, presents a more intriguing option. After making significant ground from the back in his only dirt race at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Hill Road now switches to a North American barn and adds blinkers for added early speed. This change could be the key to unlocking his full potential.
Owen Almighty, who has been on the Derby trail since September, brings valuable experience to the race. He showed promise with a solid second-place finish in the Iroquois last year and demonstrated his ability to handle longer distances in his most recent start at Tampa. Although he will need to improve, Owen Almighty has a strong chance of securing the lead from the rail, giving him a competitive edge. Punters may find value in backing this seasoned performer.
Moving on to the Columbia Stakes (Race #7), the return of Zulu Kingdom has generated considerable buzz. Having been a favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar, Zulu Kingdom boasts impressive connections, including jockey Flavien Prat and trainer Chad Brown. While he is expected to perform well, his popularity means he might be overbet, making it challenging to justify a win bet unless the odds are favorable. In contrast, Reagan’s Wit, trained by Cherie DeVaux, offers a compelling alternative. Following an eight-length victory at Fairgrounds, Reagan’s Wit steps up to stakes company with a powerful turn of foot. Another Chad Brown entry, Early Adopter, also shows promise, especially given his value at 6-1 on the morning line. Meanwhile, Mark Casse’s Dream On, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., rounds out the field with a versatile running style that suits Tampa’s racing conditions.
Beyond these featured races, bettors have additional opportunities to capitalize on the day's events. In Race #9 at Tampa Bay, #8 stands out as a viable choice, while Santa Anita Race #10 sees #6 as a likely winner. Finally, Race #11 at Santa Anita offers another chance with #8 poised for victory. As the excitement builds, all eyes will be on Tampa Bay Downs, where the future stars of the Derby trail are set to shine.