The Lead:
It's one of the biggest cards of the season at Tampa Bay Downs this Saturday when the Sam F. Davis puts Triple Crown hopefuls in the spotlight. In all, 4 stakes make up the program, including potential Kentucky Oaks trail star Zany headlining the Suncoast Stakes. But beyond the sophomores, a highly competitive group of elder sprinters match up in the Race 10 Pelican Stakes, providing a direct line in the late daily double to the Davis.

Horseplayers at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet be sure to take advantage of up to a $10 money-back special on win bets in Saturday's Triple Crown preps, the Sam F. Davis at Tampa and the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita. Recoup your cash up to $10 if your win bet finishes second or third in either race.

​​Field Depth:
It's a strong cast of listed-stakes types and red-hot form stepping out of the allowance ranks. WOUND UP, ROLANDO and CONCRETE GLORY may have kept the strongest company lines over time, but I won't be handicapping this race based on class moves.
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Pace:
CONCRETE GLORY takes a backseat to no one in the speed department. SILVER SLUGGER, ROLANDO, WOUND UP and BEACH COLT also want to be in the hunt. I'll give finishers a chance to get the last laugh Saturday.

Our Eyes:
Here are my horse-by-horse notes.

#1-ROLANDO: Tampa debut for well-traveled veteran who has had a history of breaking out at the start. The tightness of the rail break could be problematic under a new rider for him in Joseph Ramos. Hutcheson winner over this distance needs a clean break, then could find a heated duel.

#2-EL PRINCIPITO: Closer should be outrun early and has a couple of rallying 6F wins with 94-95 BRIS late pace figures that put him in contention for a share. Strong jockey-trainer combo with Daniel Centeno up for local ace Gerald Bennett.

#3-CONCRETE GLORY: Among the most prolific front-runners you’ll see, it’s all 1s early in his past performance lines. Irad Ortiz Jr. has won aboard him the last 3 times they’ve paired. The Saffie Joseph Jr. trainee boasts 17 wins but finished eighth in the 2021 Inaugural Stakes in his only Tampa attempt as the 8-5 favorite. Forgive an forget after 4+ years?

#4-WOUND UP: Speedy California-based colt for much of his career, his 10-for-24 ledger stands the test up against this level of sprinter. Trainer Jose D’Angelo took over last fall and netted a reputable third in the Grade 3 Mr. Prospector at first asking for the new barn, finishing behind repeat graded stakes-winner Knightsbridge. Top local jockey Samuel Marin takes over as Irad Ortiz Jr. jumps to Concrete Glory Saturday.

#5-TRACK MATE: In a race full of early pace, a patient ride from Eclipse Award winner Flavien Prat could serve well for this Rusty Arnold trainee. He was too close to the pace from the rail going a mile last out, will appreciate the cutback in trip and more relaxed positioning. He’s got a quartet of 6-furlong BRIS late pace figures of 97, 104, 108 and 105 that make him the danger late. First time at Tampa, while sire Union Rags is a solid 6-for-14 in the exacta in Tampa stakes with his offspring.

#6-SILVER SLUGGER (pictured): Win machine has racked up 11 scores in 17 starts for trainer Juan Avila, including a remarkable 8-for-9 Tampa record. He’s capable of making the front in NYRA graded stakes but showed a bit of press-and-pounce ability in his last 2 local races against lesser. Jockey Sonny Leon returns in a tricky pace decision as this dasher looks for a fifth straight win.

#7-BEACH COLT: Chilean export won 13 times in his homeland but is 1-for-5 since coming to Florida. Amador Sanchez trains the Gulfstream-based allowance runner who should contribute to the pace, but may not be quick enough to reach the front.

#8-CHROME GHOST: Trainer Gerald Bennett’s second shot here, this Shaman Ghost gelding should get the rallying jump from midpack on his deeper-closing barnmate El Principito. Top local pilot Samy Camacho returns to his familiar seat as this bullet-working colt looks to continue hot form off back-to-back wins. The pace sets up nicely for the rise in class.

#9-NAUGHTY RASCAL: After competing in all 4 races in the Tampa Bay Derby series a year ago, this colt needed 9 months on the sidelines. His return runner-up allowance company locally Jan. 21 was solid, but this third Gerald Bennett-trained entry in the field will need to improve to contend. A fast drill just 10 days after that return prep does set him up for a potential move forward.

Most Likely Exotics Contender:
SILVER SLUGGER has won 8 of 9 over the track and is 8 for 10 in the exacta lifetime at 6 furlongs.

Best Longshot Contender:
CHROME GHOST should get a great trip and is in raging form while likely to be overlooked against some bigger-named trainers and jockeys present from out of town.

Sending it in ($100 bankroll):
$45 daily doubles CHROME GHOST, TRACK MATE to RENEGADE in the Sam F. Davis ($90). $5 exacta box CHROME GHOST and TRACK MATE ($10).