Tampa Bay Picks: Trust in Gerald Bennett runners January 19

With one of the best kept grass course secrets in all of Thoroughbred racing, Tampa Bay Downs returns with another week of action! February looms ... and they will have a great set of stakes races! In the meantime, there is some wagering to be had for your enjoyment!

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 Wednesday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.

Most Likely Winner: (Race 4: R Tenderoni #3, 8/5):

Trainer Gerald Bennett has a strong string at Tampa, and he already has 92 starts during this Meet. With a win percentage of 17, that is not too shabby (92/16-15-13), especially considering the level of competition. That means his runners are fit and ready. I want to highlight some of his entries on this Wednesday that look enticing from a wagering standpoint. In Race 4, he has a short-priced favorite that is coming off breaking her maiden last out in an MC event. After a couple of maintenance works, she is ready to do battle again … this time, in the Clm ranks. With such a jump last time, it appears she is really coming into her own. The best news is that Bennett gets together with Antonio Gallardo, and his ability on the TAM track is impressive, as usual. In for a tag at $8k, she could be heading to a new outfit.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #3

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: Striking Heir #2, 15/1):

The Bennett “value play” on this Wednesday is this gelding by Wildcat Heir. He might not look lke much based on his 3 attempts over the TAM MT in November, December, and January. Those efforts were not superb, but I will say that excuses could be made in each situation. His past 2 tries at this class level were a contrast in tactics. He tried the lead in the 1st race, and then tried to rate 3-off in the 2nd. I think if he wants to win, new rider Samy Camacho needs some pace to run into. If a speed duel can develop (say between #1 and #4), that might set this one up for a nice run down the lane. We know that the price on the tote is going to be in the double-digits … that is going to be worth a bet!

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: Dirt, 7F, AOC32k, F&M 4+):

Breaking from the backstretch chute, we have a good group of older females that will be contesting this 7F distance on the Main Track. This might not appear to be that good a betting race because only 6 draw in, but you might be mistaken with this assumption. Based on a glance through the form, almost all of these runners have the capability to win. I am sure that Sue Arnett’s Clay’s Moon Stone #2 or Mike Campbell’s Feeling Mischief #6 will end up going off as the race time favorite. The former was 2nd last time out @Tam in a similar, while the former is classy, having last run at Churchill Downs back in early November. If either is sharp coming into this contest, they certainly have the ability to score. However, I am banking that both these “types” (one, failed to close, while the other is a layoff-class dropper) to be underlays … in other words … not much value to find here folks! Instead, I want to lean on Bennett’s Tap Dance Fever #1. The filly by Tapiture is making the switch from the turf to the dirt … route to a sprint, and this change-up is just what she needs. She can handle this class level based on her PPs, and her conditioner has solid numbers when it comes to surface switches. The rail is not much of a concern, even though the temporary one comes into play. This is not a large field, mind you, so we should not be too concerned with running into traffic troubles. Jock Fernando De La Cruz is riding well, and I think his mount is just coming into the proper level of fitness. Nothing like a cutback … same class … and a surface switch … To me, Bennett wins!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Superfecta Wheel, 1 w 2/5/6 w 2/5/6 w 2/5/6

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