The sun should be out at Tampa on Wednesday, May 13. That’s why we’re handicapping and making picks for three turf events. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds from Tampa Bay Downs for Wednesday, May 13. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.
Tampa Bay Downs Horse Racing Picks May 13
- When: Wednesday, May 13 at 12:30 pm ET
- Where: Tampa, FL
- Weather: Mostly Sunny
- Temperature: High 89 – Low 67
Tampa Bay Downs Picks for Wednesday, May 13
Race 5 – 3:00 pm ET – 1 Mile Turf – $10,000 Claiming
Neither of the favorites entice, which is why we’ll look to longshot Premier Justice to get it done. The Constitution sired runner has been awful in her last couple of starts. She’s bred to like the turf, though. Also, trainer John Rigattieri is 26% third off the layoff and wins 22% at the meet. Jockey Dean Butler will either take the lead or lie right off.
On the surface, it doesn’t look as if 8/1 on the morning line Broken English has any shot. Trainer Hubert Gaffney goes dirt to turf with the English Channel sired runner. That’s only a 5% winning move. But the last time Broken English ran at this level, she produced a speed rating that makes her a challenger in this. She also catches a field that lacks talent.
Trainer John Pimental is 0-for-10 with last out maiden winners. But Wildcat Merry broke her maiden like a professional. If she can get a nice stalking trip, she could win this. Consider on top and bottom of your exotics.
- Win: Premier Justice
- Place: Broken English
- Show: Wildcat Merry
Race 7 – 4:00 pm ET – 1 Mile Turf –$16,000 Claiming
On Feb. 28, Classy Lynn won at this level and over this turf course by 12 lengths. She bounced in her next race, but the race after over the dirt wasn’t bad at all. If she can repeat the last race effort, she should win. If she repeats the performance from Feb. 28, she wins by 10 lengths or more.
Sundrenched returns to the dirt after a disaster of a performance over the main track in her last. The 4-year-old filly hates the dirt. She’s got 2 wins on the turf. A sweet 4-furlong work in 47.4 on May 7 tells us the chalk is ready.
Jockey Daniel Centeno fits like a glove aboard front-runner Classy of Course. Centeno nursed her to a 3 ¼ length victory two back. That race was at 1 1/16 miles, though. The Awesome of Course sired filly has never won at a mile. Centeno will make sure she has a shot, but she might become dejected after Classy Lynn blows by her.
- Win: Classy Lynn
- Place: Sundrenched
- Show: Classy of Course
Race 9 – 5:00 pm ET – 1 Mile Turf – $32,000 Starter Optional Claiming
First Degree tries winners for the first time. The Bernardini sired runner finally broke the maiden in his last. Not only does Degree try winners for the first time, but he also tries dirt for the first time, and must stretch out to a mile while doing it. Doesn’t sound promising, right? Oh, but it is! The Juan Arriagada trained runner should get lost in the betting while Arriagada claimed this one for himself off top turf conditioner Jonathan Thomas. The $300,00 purchase can outclass this field.
Saffie Joseph Jr. has sired just 12 runners at the Tampa Bay Downs meet. Uncork the Bottle will make it lucky number 13. No doubt, the stakes placed runner can win this. But Uncork the Bottle won’t offer anything close to the 2/1 morning line. Also, this field is tougher than it looks. We’ll make the chalk second.
Arriagada’s other owned and trained runner, Valiant Virtue, can win. But the 3-year-old gelding must make a trip from post-position 10. That’s hard to do over Tampa’s turf.
- Win: First Degree
- Place: Uncork the Bottle
- Show: Valiant Virtue
