As regular readers of this feature know, we concentrate on one of our favorite grass courses to wager upon, one free of bias–atmospherics notwithstanding–that give every running style a chance. An honest surface ensures good, competitive racing.
The problem today is that weather handicappers are setting the odds at 7-10 that it will rain on Oldsmar’s parade today, and so we looked at the dirt races.
While the winning payout won’t allow you give up your day job, it’s difficult to pass on an opportunity to defeat a heavy favorite.
Off his last two efforts, Jack B Winkle is a deserving 9-5 favorite and will be lower than that ante post. The races were fast for the level and the Darien Rodriguez 4YO gelding is extremely sharp, well posted, and gets a switch to Daniel Centeno to boot. He will be a tough out.
But Silver Edge (2-1) has done nothing but improve since Ron Potts took over the training four starts back.
After a lung opener in a turf sprint, blinkers were added and Silver Edge returned to the main track and really moved up when stretched out around a second turns.
He chased lively fractions two back, staying on fairly well, and his improved lick enabled him to steal the march in a soft-paced local debut last out, exploding through the lane, setting him up nicely for this mini-stretch in distance here.
Note that Potts is 23% effective with repeaters and take a look at the most replay if you need convincing: TAMPA BAY DOWNS, NOV 28, RACE 1.
