Tampa Bay Picks: A Turf Sprint Finale December 29

Happy Holidays from one of the best kept turf secrets in all of Thoroughbred racing ... it's Tampa Bay Downs!

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Most Likely Winner: (Race 5: Emphasize #4, 5/1):

Trainer Sillaman has a sharp-looking gelding heading to the post at Tampa, and the price hopefully will remain around 5/1. I am not sure that is going to happen, especially because every mount that Daniel Centeno rides gets hammered at the windows. It should be noted that this son of Exaggerator finally broke his maiden last time out at Tampa, and can keep it going in this Waiver Claimer affair. Let’s bet this one …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #4

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 3: Starship Precious #4, 8/1):

Here is a New York bred that is coming down to Florida for some much-needed sun. After a couple of attempts at Finger Lakes, she should be ready to make this switch, and the Ferraro Barn is looking for a win. By Freud, she gets Jesus Castanon aboard, and I like his turf riding ability. The folks at Starship Stables have a budding star. At 8/1, the price is right, and should bring a nice payout, if this team can get the job done!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #4 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Turf, 5F, AOC16k, 3):

With a full field of 10, this turf speed test is going to be a wide-open affair. I am sure bettors will recognize the last name of the trainer who enters Jura #1. Young Reeve McGaughey is just setting out in his career, but he has experience when he worked under his HOF father, Shug. It is going to be interesting to watch his career these next few years. He has figured out the Tampa turf secret … come with a nice string, and use this time to get your feet wet. This gelding he has under his keep is by Twirling Candy, and that is a sire that produces versatile runners. Let’s use this one, but maybe not on top. He is going to get over bet, and not provide too much value. Breaking from the post is very difficult, especially if you get caught down on the rail … highly likely. Instead, I much prefer Jordan Blair’s Kona Kai #9. This 4-yr-old filly, who is taking on the boys, is by Palace Malice. She is lightly-raced with only 6 career starts. She already has $60k to her name when it comes to earnings. Though she missed at Churchill last time out, I think her record at the MSW level back in 2020 speaks to hope. Maybe she just needed some time to realize what she is about. The able-bodied Jesus Castanon gets the call, and he should be quick to work out a trip. One other runner that I want to add is the Florida bred, Abe Honestly #2. This colt flashed some talent back at Monmouth Park during the summer. His race on the 4th of July exhibited some fireworks in the win. I think he has talent, and deserves to be included with Hector Diaz in the irons. These 3 I have picked should get this ticket cashed … the filly takes the lead!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Wheel, 9 w 1/2

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Tampa Bay Downs is back for another week of racing … enjoy some of the best that Florida has to offer!