The calendar technically holds today as the opening of the 2021 racing season but really is the end of an extraordinary year for Tampa Bay Downs.
Did it benefit from unfortunate circumstances? Sure. Does it deserve accolades for continued growth and popularity? Absolutely. Its success this season is no happy accident.
When today’s mandatory Ultimate-6 payout concludes after the 10th race finale, it figures to be Kathleen O’Connell’s King of Leinster (5-2), a likely single for many, that brings down the curtain. This favorite rates to be a very tough out.
Its second start following a layoff was an improvement on its return–see the Tampa Bay Today Video on the HRI homepage; Tampa RACE 6, JUNE 22–and consider that the trainer is profitable with horses returning on less than 10 days rest.
Realize, too, that O’Connell is 15% effective and also profitable when teaming with Harry Hernandez. Race dynamics, the pole position and confident rise in class following a loss also augur well. We’re not fighting city hall on this one.
Taking King of Leinster to win, no price restrictions, and key boxing the gelded five year old with likely clean tripper Good Solution (8-1) and More Than Teddy (4-1), from the recent hot barn of Moises Yanez.
