Tampa Bay Opening Day 2008

It’s sunny and cool today here in Tampa, but two days ago we had record rainfall so we can’t know just what to expect from the racing surfaces this afternoon. We’ll have to wait and see. Wait and see. That’s a sensible strategy for Opening Day anyway. Easy does it is today’s mantra. Have fun. Get the juices flowing!

The Tampa Bay Downs Handicapper has three basic selections. Prime wagers meet all my handicapping requirements and are the only selections that will be reflected in my daily stats recap. Soft bets meet most, but not all of my requirements. Contenders Only selections are just that. So let’s get started.

1st - Contenders Only 2,4,8

2nd - Contenders Only 6,9

3rd -A prime wager, Edopapas Ekepapas (5). Eddy gets loose again today after setting a very fast pace in maiden win four weeks ago. Workout on Dec. 7th was 1 2/5ths faster than the second fastest that day. Eddie is ready for Dale Bennett and Andrew Ramgeet.

4th - A soft wager, Don’t Get Married (2). On top of being good advice, DGM deserves another chance after starting slowly in debut at Calder two weeks ago finishing strongly despite being solidly beaten. Ramgeet is winless on the grass in 53 starts and that raises my eyebrows along with Montalvo jumping off and going to Little Lovely (8) but I’m going to key DGM in the tri as follows 2/6,8,10.

5th – Contenders Only 5,11,12

6th – Contenders Only 2,7,9

7th – Contenders Only 4,7,9

8th – A prime wager, Kenny Run (7). Another Ness claim on the dropdown this afternoon, the speedy Kenny Run will display that Ness claiming magic with Daniel Centeno up. Kenny Run has the triple threat of Ness angles going for him. Off the Claim, Layoff + Shipper and Route to Sprint. Islandprospectrbob (1) returns to the dirt where I’m expecting a big effort for Rhone and Rehbein after a monster work on Dec 9th. I’ll play a straight 7-1 exacta.

9th – Contenders Only 1,4,7

10th – Contenders Only 5,6,8

11th - Contenders Only 5,12

Good luck and good racing!

Johnny B.