Tampa Bay Downs Selections - 02/21/08

Results 34-127 (27%) -$35.80 (34-14-18) (52% ITM)

Three winners from five selections on Wednesday and yet only a marginally profitable day, salvaged only by the 5-2 return on the 10th race exacta box ($14.60). This is a tough game. So it goes...

This afternoon, cheap is the word that comes to mind. Cheap maiden races, cheap N2L and N3L races and cheap prices in the ones that aren't. Do yourself a favor and save your cheddar for another, more opportunistic race day. If today's your only day off from work for the rest of the season and you just have to get over there, then play;

1st - Pass - Exacta box 2,4,7

2nd - Pass - Exacta box 1,6

3rd - Pass - Exacta box 1,4,7

4th - Pass - Exacta box 1,2,9

5th - Pass - Exacta box 3,13

6th - A soft wager, Silver Peagus (PP5). Right back for Ness/Centeno. Last was an above par 83 (today's par is 75). Storm Thief (PP7) figures to improve. Pirate King (PP1) (who hasn't won a race since 2006) will be trying again. Cooper will be trying to put over Taxicab (PP3), who couldn't put up an 83 if his life depended on it. Punto Fijo (Uru)(PP6) may improve on the dropdown. I don't like Right Flanker (PP2) off the Mary Bennett claim. All in all, Silver Peagus who has won 4 of 8 starts at Tampa Bay Downs looks like a repeat winner today, with Storm Thief completing the 5,7 exacta.

7th - A soft wager, Call Me Pete (PP9). Ziadie is the master of the L4-8, with 60% winners last season with long layoffs. Call Me Pete races above today's par of 81 in half of his starts. Raced against some real good ones last season. You should get some value for your gambling dollar with this one. Let's hope he's ready. I'll bet him to win and a 7,9 exacta box.

8th - Pass - Exacta key 8/All

9th - Pass - Exacta box 1,5,9

10th - A soft wager, Watson I Need You (PP9). WINY has been knockin' at the door. Last was an above par 58 (today's par is 55). Unless there's a bomb coming, he should get home first for O'Connell/Montalvo. I recommend a double wheel, All/9 and then if you're alive with a big "Will Pay" in the DD, an Exacta wheel in the 10th, All/9. B-o-m-b-s A-w-a-y.

Good luck and good racing!

Johnny B.