Weekend Stakes Races – Gearing up for the Kentucky Derby

BetOnline will be offering odds on every single entrant in all of the Kentucky Derby prep races.

One of those, the Grade III Sam F. Davis Stakes, is actually a prep for the Tampa Bay Derby, a race that has in recent years become almost as popular as the Florida Derby, Santa Anita Derby, and Wood Memorial.

The other stakes race for this weekend is the Grade I Santa Maria at Santa Anita Park.

Let’s take a look at the races.

Tampa Bay Downs – Race 10

Grade III Sam F. Davis Stakes

$225,000

For Three Year Olds

1 1/16th miles on dirt

Trainer Kelly Breen might have his first real contender for the Kentucky Derby in Atomic Rain, the son of Smart Strike. Rain has finished second in two races in a row including the Grade II Remsen to Old Fashioned. He could turn the tables on rival Free Country in this. Free Country, trained by Kenneth McPeek, is a serious horse that has to be taken into consideration for top honors in this.

This will be only his third lifetime start but he came from 10 lengths out of it to break his maiden. Then he won closer to the pace in the stretch-out over Atomic Rain. There’s no telling how good this guy could get. Top Speed is undefeated and stretching out for the first time for trainer Michael Trombetta who is excellent in these situations. Breaking from the 11 hole will hurt, but Grand Slam offspring usually love two turns.

1. Atomic Rain

2. Free Country

3. Top Speed

Santa Anita Park – Race 9

Grade I Santa Maria Handicap

$300,000

For Fillies and Mares Four Years Old and Up

1 1/16th miles on Pro-Ride

Jockey Eibar Coa makes the trip to take the ride on the Todd Pletcher trained Leah’s Secret. Pletcher has three gals in this race. Leah’s Secret looks to be the best, and will go off at the best odds, because she’s never taken on the best in her division. Pletcher might have her primed for the victory. Bsharpsonata has tons of class and not seeing Indian Blessing and/or Ginger Pop in this race should make her feel better. She’s another Pletcher gal which means Pletcher could grab the first two placing in this race. Model has been very consistent lately for jockey Rafael Bejarano and trainer Neil Drysdale. She’s finished in the top three in 10 straight races.

1. Leah’s Secret

2. Bsharpsonata

3. Model