An interesting full-field maiden allowances on tap in today’s seventh race in Oldsmar, three-year-olds going 1-1/16 miles on the Tampa Bay turf.
The race comes down to the two favorites, although neither rate to be short-price choices, and it’s a tale of two trips, neither were particular easy but each rate to benefit from the experience.
The early line favorite is the Kathleen O’Connell trained Tap the Candy (3-1) had the easier time of it although never managed to save ground at any point.
Indeed, it was a comfortable stalking trip in the three path. But saving ground is the key path to victory on grass. He’s drawn outside but figures to be pace advantaged over his main rival. Enter Rock the Stars (7-2).
The Darien Rodriguez charge did manage to save ground throughout much of the race but had to rally t least 4-wide on the final, his momentum carrying even wider into the lane.
HIs rally stalled a bit in upper stretch before he ultimately settled and came on very strongly inside the final furlong. Today, however, he’s drawn inside his main rival and gets a favorable rider switch to Fernando de la Cruz.
See if you agree with our trip assessment on the HRI homepage video section: Tampa Bay Downs, MAR 20, Race 7.
We’re taking Rock the Stars to win at 5-2 or greater and key-boxing exactas with Tap the Candy and turf meant newcomer price shot, Moon Hunter (12-1).
