Tampa Bay Downs Picks: Turf edition as racing returns on June 30

The Tampa track, presided over by announcer Jason Beem, resumes its Meet on Thursday. We have all you picks, and some targeted analysis.

Tampa Bay Downs Picks - Thursday, June 30, 2022

Race 1: 5-8-2-6
Race 2: 4-6-3-2
Race 3: 6-3-8-7
Race 4: 8-3-6-2
Race 5: 3-4-2-8
Race 6: 7-3-8-6
Race 7: 8-1-2-6
Race 8: 3-8-5-1
**Most Likely: Influencing #4 (Race 2)**
**Best Value: Byzantine Empire #3 (Race 5)**

Tampa Bay Downs gets back to business this week ... they were on a break, in case you did not know. The new season is upon us, and both dirt and turf races will be on full display. With Churchill Downs not carding grass contests, and Del Mar and Saratoga yet to begin their meets, this is one of the best green ovals in the country.

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Thursday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter ... Horseracing_USA !!!

Horse Racing Picks

Most Likely Winner: (Race 2: Influencing #4, 5/2):

The days when trainer Tom Proctor ruled the Gulf Coast seem like a distant memory, but the venerable conditioner is still plying his trade. This filly by Tapit is ready to get back to the Tampa turf after running against tougher company down at Gulfstream Park a couple pf weeks ago. A homebred, she should be ready to rate. Jockey Keiber Coa continues to see his share of action. I cannot imagine anyone in this race rivaling this team. Proctor still has some of that old magic present.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #4

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: Byzantine Empire #3, 12/1):

Patty Burns owns and trains this filly by Air Force Blue. She is set to make her ’22 debut, and I want to back this runner coming off-the-bench. She will be carrying more weight (124), and sometimes that means that she has an advantage. That sounds like specious reasoning, but it is actually not. Last year, on debut at Colonial Downs, she never had the chance to do that much running. This could be a budding star … you will never get to bet her at this price … take what the tote is giving you …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #3 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Turf, 5F, Clm16kn2L, F&M 3+):

The speedsters will be out in this “claiming game” race, and when it comes to the tote, they will be trying to catch M/L odds favorite, Rasmalai #1. Trained by Antonio Cordero, this mare by Commissioner will be getting back to the turf, after competing on the MT @TAM. It is not a foregone conclusion that she will “win” in what amounts to a dropdown in class. I am not sure that 6/5 is really deserved. When it comes to grass sprint races, I am always on the lookout for an entry with some hidden talent. Nancy Harris’ Gregs Posse #8 hasn’t tried the turf but once in ’22, and that was going 1-mile at Tampa. The last time we saw this daughter of Posse, it was on the AW at Gulfstream Park. That was a much tougher race than this one. Running at the Stronach “race place” can harden a speed demon, and I like the price on this one … 10/1. If Jose Alonso can take advantage of that outside post, then that could serve as an edge. When you are drawn towards the extreme, you can avoid traffic troubles … thus, playing your own game. The Harris entry could be making some money moves in the end, all the way to the winner’s circle. Here is the bet …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 8/1

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