If you’re nursing a sore back from shoveling snow like I am, tuning into Tampa Bay Downs on Wednesday will be a sight for chilled eyes. Sunny and 75 degrees are in the forecast. I’ve identified a couple mid-range prices for lesser-known, but red-hot trainers early in the Tampa Bay Downs meeting.


Tampa Bay Downs | Race 4 | 2:00 pm ET

#5 Float On (5-1 morning line odds) was a good second here last January in his only local appearance. Trainer Michelle Castillo took over training this summer and note that her runners from PA have come out firing at Tampa so far: She has a 7-2 winner, 9-1 runner-up, 39-1 third-place finisher and 10-1 fourth-place finisher from her 4 starts to open the meeting. Win-place bet #5.

Tampa Bay Downs | Race 8 | 4:00 pm ET

#7 Jades Jay (6-1 morning line odds) looks to keep a hot start to the Tampa meet going for trainer Darien Rodriguez. His first 3 starters included $11 and $16 winners along with a third-place effort. Jades Jay has won over the Tampa track and makes his first appearance since moving to this high-percentage barn, which hits 31% locally with jockey Samuel Marin. Win-place bet #7.