Tampa Bay Picks: Turf stakes take center stage February 5

Tampa Bay Downs returns with another weekend of action! February is here ... and they will have a great set of stakes races as we head towards the Tampa Bay Derby! A pair of turf stakes are on the docket today, and we have you covered with a full slate of picks.

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered! 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 Saturday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Do not forget to follow us on Twitter ... @Horseracing_USA ...

Most Likely Winner: (Race 4: Soft Power #7, 8/5):

For several years, trainer Chad Brown has come to Tampa with Klaravich runners in search of a prep for bigger and better races. The Turf Course offers excellent “give,” and you can bet that these sodbusters are going to take some money along the way. There is nothing wrong with backing these short-priced favorites because there is one simple fact … they win. Samy Camacho makes good decisions on the green, and we can expect him to guide this one home. By Invincible Spirit (IRE), that speaks to some excellent grass breeding … and that is only the sire … the dam, Daintily Done (GB was through Cacique (FR) … one to watch …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #7

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: English Bee #2, 8/1):

I was certainly high on this Calumet Farm homebred when Graham Motion first came to Tampa with him back in 2019. That was for the Columbia S. 75k, a real salty contest that always produces top runners. Even though the son of English Channel was 5th that day, he used the race as a springboard to a next-out win in the James Murphy S. on Preakness Weekend. After a number of other events since, I like that this horse is rested (last seen in the G2 Ft. Lauder @GP), and ready to go in this Grade 3. Motion has some excellent turf runners in his past, and it would be excellent to see this one come home, guided by Hector Diaz.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #2 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: Turf, 1 1/16th, Endeavour S. (G3), $175k, F&M 4+):

A nice contest was drawn by the Racing Office at Tampa, and once again, we have a competitive Endeavour S. My 1st inclination is to back Roger Attfield’s entry … Lady Speightspeare #3. She was slated to run in the Pegasus F&M Turf (G1), but instead, she shipped up to Tampa for this dropdown. I think she is accomplished, and I like that jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson is along for yet another ride. Back at Keeneland in October, her mount had to scratch out of the QE2 Cup (G1) because she hit the gate upon entry. Luckily, she was fine, and next out on the Tapeta at Woodbine, she showed her ability … winning nicely in a Grade 2. I am game to back the Charles Fipke-owned turfer, but I also want to roll under the likes of Saffie Joseph’s Katama Moonlight #5, Chad Brown’s In Italian #7, and finally, Graham Motion’s Oyster Box #10. Each of these runners have either the class, or a recent race that makes them players. Coming out of the chute at Tampa on the turf, it is going to be interesting to see who sets the fractions early on. Go with Attfield … his experience matters, as does the class background of his entry.

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Superfecta Wheel, 3 w 5/7/10 w 5/7/10 w 5/7/10

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Tampa Bay Downs is ready for action as their Meet heats up … enjoy some of the best that Florida has to offer! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter … Horseracing_USA !!!