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Tampa Bay Derby Day March 8: 5 Stakes Races and 6 Three Year Old Races
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March 8 2025 at Tampa Bay Downs
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It’s a huge day for 3yo’s and also other classes for stakes races, and those are the races we will focus on in this podcast. Before we start, make sure you download the Free Grid below for Tampa Bay to follow along.
Remember from this conversation, we only focus on legit long shot contenders. Let the sheeple bet on the chalk, but you my friend, will bet on long shots with double digit odds.
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R3 1:18ET 6f D MSW 3 YO F 53000
The first 3yo race is this Maiden Special Weight, 3yo fillies competing for $53 grand. Remember that none of the 4 horses that have actually raced have not actually won a race, that’s why it’s called a maiden race.
One of those might break through for the money, but the unraced horses coached by Chad Brown, Brad Cox, and Graham Motion look good coming in.
Hey Cookie at 12-1 is my secret long shot special. Unfortunately, in her first race, she didn’t realize it was a race until it was almost over, and came on belatedly. But I think she knows the deal now. Box and wheel her in the exotics.
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R5 2:21ET 8.5f D Challngr-G3 4 UP
The first stakes race is the Challenger G3 for older horses. The chalk is legit and will probably run 1-2 or 1-3 or otherwise clog up the trifecta.
But the thing I like about this race is that there is a good amount of early speed in it, which should make for an honest pace, and set it up for the only legit closer in the field:
Instant Coffee at 15-1 morning line looks primed for another great race for Chad Summers.
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R6 2:55ET 7f D MSW 3 YO 53000
Race 6 is one of those MSW’s where anything could happen, especially at 7f. I would wheel all at the top of a super and trifecta, anchoring it with chalk at the 2-3-4 spots. If that hits then you’re golden.
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R7 3:28ET 8f T ColumbiaB125k 3 YO
The second stakes race on the card is the Columbia Stakes, for 3yo’s. As usual, the chalk contains legit contenders. HOWEVER.
Versus at 12-1 ML with the high LP according to the Grid? I’ll take it.
Tapirs Valor at 30-1 with the high EP transferring from dirt/sprint to turf route: Yes, please. Wheel and win.
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R9 4:31ET 9f T Hlsborgh-G2 4 UP FM
On paper, the Hillsborough Stakes looks like another boring turf race for fillies. However, the only two early runners in the field have long odds.
Damaso is 15-1 and will attempt an early lead for Kathleen O’connell.
She’s Fire at 30-1 is worth a bet in the exotics because she will be on the lead for most of the race.
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R10 5:03ET 8.5f T FlaOaks-G3 3 YO F
The Oaks is similar to the aforementioned race because there is very little early speed, so focus on speed.
Miavana at 12-1 ML is an E8 and will take the lead and has the speed to get to that wire first if unchallenged.
Love You Anyway at 30-1?! Kidding? A late runner but only missed by ½ length in her debut.
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R11 5:34ET 8.5f D TamDby-G3 3 YO
Alas the big Tampa Bay Derby. Looks very chalky so don’t bet it and just wheel the single digits in your rollers.
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R12 6:06ET 8.5f T MSW 3 YO F 53000
Native Rose at 15-1?? Who’s making those odds? I also like the Mike Dini speedster at 20-1. Box and wheel those 2.
Good luck, this is Dalton, over and out
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Get The Grid for all you favorite tracks and races here.
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