BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer
Tampa Bay Downs
Race #8 – The G3 Tampa Stakes – 1 1/16 on the turf – 3:50 pm EDT
BetPTC.com Selections /#4 – Qurbaan / #2 – Inspector Lynlee / #3 – Divisidero
#4 Qurbaan is a solid son of Speightstown who is 6 for 8 ITM on the grass. Kiaran McLaughlin is the trainer and Jersey Joe Bravo in the saddle. He is cutting back from 9f to 8.5 not racing in 56 days and is a stone cold closer. He is dropping down a class level and should be a major factor in this event. #2 Inspector Lynlee has the services of Jose Ortiz in the irons for Shug McGaughey. This son of Lemon Drop kid is 13 for 21 ITM on the sod and had an eventful trip in the G2 Ft Lauderdale last out. He is 1 for 1 at TBD and cuts back in distance from 9f. He’s been on the shelf for 56 days and been working a regular clip at Payson. Ortiz will come rolling late in the lane. #3 Divisidero has the services of Jevian Toledo in the saddle and exits the G2 Ft Lauderdale. Two back he ran an average effort in the BC Mile and comes back fresh and ready.
Race #11 – The G3 Sam Davis – 1 1/16- 5:25 pm EDT
BetPTC.com Selections / #8 – So Alive / #3 – Knicks Go / #7 – Five Star General
#8 So Alive is a son of Super Saver and has the services of Javier Castellano in the irons. Ever since he caught a fast track he looked like a new runner. Two of his of three races he was forced to negotiate traffic and looked a very versatile colt. Todd Pletcher sends out another runner for the “Todd Squad” and should get a perfect stalking trip from a rider who gets his picture taken at a 20% clip. #3 Knicks Go is a pure speedster under the guided hand of Albin Jimenez. Ben Colebrook is the trainer and after a beaten favorite effort in the G2 Ky. Jockey Gold Cup at CD he has been on the shelf looking for a top effort. His works at TBD have been promising and look for a gate to wire effort. #7 Five Star General is a speedy sort under Jose Ortiz. Ever since his races have been pulled from the turf he has racked up two in a row. Ortiz wins 19% with speed runners and should give an honest account.
Santa Anita
Race #5 – The G2 Las Virgenes – 1 mile – 4:30 pm EDT
BetPTC.com Selections / #3 – Bellafina / #2 – Enaya Alraab / #4 – Mother Mother
#3 Bellafina is a speedy filly by Quality Road. Flavien Prat has the call for Simon Callaghan and he is winning 25% at the meet. This is her second start of the year and can grab the lead or sit just off and keep an eye on the leader. She was a beaten favorite in the BC Fillies and looks to get everything tied down for 2019 campaign. #2 Enaya Alraab is a daughter of Uncle Mo and appears to be coming into her own. Mike Smith gets the nod for Doug O’Neill and is rolling at a 32% win clip as a jockey this meet. She has the look of a perfect stalker who will mature like a fine wine. #4 Mother Mother has Drayden Van Dyke in the saddle and gets blinkers back on today. Trainer Bob Baffert wins 21% on this equipment change and this daughter of Pioneer of the Nile has very dangerous speed.
Race #9 – The G2 San Marcos – 1 1/4 on turf – 6:30 pm EDT
BetPTC.com Selections / #3 – Chicago Style / #8 – Beach View / #6 – Sejo
#3 Chicago Style is a son of Kitten’s Joy with Drayden Van Dyke in the irons. He is 8 for4 ITM on the grass and gets added distance. Thom Proctor brings him to post and made a very game move last out. I’m looking for that to be a good sign of things to come for this deep closer. #8 Beach View is a son of Giant’s Causeway and has Rafaelo Bejarano in the driver’s seat. He is 6 for 8 ITM on the grass and two races back made a bold move at the top pick Chicago Style only to get blocked. I’m looking for a solid rematch as they swing for home. #6 Sejo has Flavien Prat in the saddle for John Sadler. They are getting first Lasix shipping over from Longchamp in France. He is 3 for 4 ITM on the greensward. Sadler is 35% ITM with runners coming to the states first out.