Tampa Bay Downs Selections - 03/15/08

Results 48-159 (30%) +$1.00 (48-18-23) (56% ITM)

Yesterday, in the 7th, Fizzy Pop had a rough trip but was absolutely flying late. He could not get up in time and finished out of the money. Next time! My contenders only selections were a complete bust and I'm glad I took my own advice, sticking to the 10 cent supers. It's funny how a horseplayer has a sixth sense about the way things are likely to go on any particular day. Today, I'm feeling comfortable.

Today is Festival Day and a great card awaits.

1st - DD 6/2

2nd - Exacta key 2/3,4,7

3rd - Exacta box 2,3,10

4th - A soft wager, Hatta Fort (PP2). The british invasion takes on new meaning yet again as Hatta Fort, the graded stakes winner from abroad makes his first start in the new world. Today's par is a 92. No other horse in the race has ever put up a 92. Hatta Fort is almost always above par. bin Suroor Saeed is having a good run. Velez rides. Hatta Fort wins on three legs.

5th - Exacta box 5,6,8

6th - Trifecta key 2,7/2,7/1,6

7th - Exacta key 6/1,3,8

8th - Exacta box 4,6

9th - Exacta box 2,3

10th - A soft wager, My Baby Baby (PP6). MBB's figs impress and last was earned the hard way. The field is weak save for Calico Bay (PP3) who may need a trip over the TBD surface and Elusive Lady (PP4), who hasn't done much recently. I'll bet 6 to win and save with a 3,4,6 exacta box.

11th - Is this the end of the Secret's winning streak. I don't know, but I'm willing to bet it is. A soft wager, Fort Prado (PP4). It's impossible to ignore a horse with a million in lifetime earnings and Fort Prado has already beaten our favorite. The speedy Blue Pepsi Lodge (PP2) will be with the Secret just long enough to give the late running Fort Prado the edge. Prosico will be right behind Fort Prado. I'm betting a straight 4,1 exacta.

12th - A prime wager, War Pass (PP3). The only graded stakes winner in the field. Eye popping figs. Look at those earnings. Who can catch him?

13th - Tri key 13/3/1,2,10 (otherwise an exacta key 3/1,2,10).

Good luck and good racing!

Johnny B.