Today’s sixth race, as stated previously, is what Tampa Bay at this time of year is about; young horses and turf racing. And although only seven have been entered with three having the best chance, an opportunity for value exists.
Tonapita (2-1) moved up big time in his Tampa debut on turf recently, He was coming off a 70-day layup, stretched out and broke maiden by fighting it out between horses late to prevail by a nose.
RACE 8 on DEC 7 is worth a look. Samy Camacho is in the boot and having a great meet and anytime Chris Clement horses feel sod under foot there a serious threat to win. His Thoro-Graph figure, like his major rivals, is forward-looking.
There’s Embossed (5-2) who jumped up with an authoritative score in his Tampa and two-turn debut on dirt, earning the field’s best figure by a wide margin. Trainer Michael Stidham has been on a roll, adds first Lasix, but why turf so soon? What’s the objective?
All this makes Whisper Slow (3-1) interesting from a straight betting perspective. He’s the slowest of the three and the connections are not as highly profiled, nor is his rider–Angel Suarez has fans, just not as well known.
Price potential aside, he he the most experience with five starts, two of those in minor stakes class and his turf debut was very promising on DEC 20, RACE 5, definitely worth a look. He never had it easy with a between horses trip, including through late stretch where just kept kept coming on.
He rates to find the competition and race dynamics a bit more manageable here after breaking from the pole and Timothy Hamm is on a training roll, in fact profitable over the last three months. Early odds are fair and likely.
We’re on record with with Whisper Slow to pull off the minor upset and will key-box him in vertical pools with his rivals above.
