Another midway point of the week is approaching, which means another chance at our Wednesday Wins promotion. For those who missed it during the first few opportunities, it is simple. Just register for the promo, wager $50 each on Tampa Bay Downs and Turfway Park on Wednesday, and earn a $10 bonus. I have been taking part at both mid-week tracks on “Hump Day” to start 2026 when mother nature has cooperated and plan to do so again tomorrow building around these horses.


Tampa Bay Downs Race 8, 4:20 pm ET

My top play in Oldsmar comes in this $16k conditional claimer at two-turns over the grass where there is not very much early speed signed on. I am hopeful #4 Mr. Business can take advantage. The son of Flameaway broke his maiden in his first start off the layoff on January 7 for new trainer Francisco Alanis before being beaten to the lead and caught a bit wide in his first try against winners just 17 days later. Alanis drops this 4YO gelding in class into a spot where jockey Marcos Meneses should be able to control the early tempo. Hopefully, he has enough left late to put this group away in his third start of the form cycle.

Play: #4 Mr Business (6-1 ML)


Turfway Park Race 4, 7:25 pm ET

I am also hoping the pace is moderate later on tomorrow in this open $5k claimer at 6-furlongs where I like a price. #4 Takethesilver makes her third start of the meet for trainer Roddina Barrett after a fourth-place run versus better on New Years’ Day. Barrett puts the blinkers on for the first time and keeps veteran Martin Garcia aboard. Garcia’s best skill has always been his ability to get horses out of the gate and then relax them on the lead. I am hopeful he can do just that with this Take Charge Indy mare that is in search of her first victory over this surface. The price should be right to gamble on her to win and play a Daily Double into my play of the day up next.

Play: #4 Takethesilver (12-1 ML)


Turfway Park Race 5, 7:55 pm ET

A number of 3YO fillies entered in this auction restricted MSW at 6-furlongs exit a similar race at half a furlong farther on January 9. This not only includes 7-2-second choice #1Edey, but also my top choice #10 Golden Thread. The daughter of City of Light showed decent tactical speed on debut going the challenging 6.5-furlong distance at odds of over 21-1 and battled to the wire to finish second beaten just half a length. Trainer Eoin Harty legs up Alex Achard this time around. Hopefully, Achard can avoid serious ground loss from the outside draw. If so, I like this gal’s chances to take a big step forward in her second lifetime start.

Play: #10 Golden Thread (4-1 ML)