The Pasco Stakes Purse $125.000 For Three Year Olds.

Tampa Bay Downs, Tampa, FL

Mb Stables send out a three horse entry to take on seven other rivals in The Tampa Stakes on Saturday afternoon. Need Cash Now is a class standout after running second in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile. “Now” handled seven furlongs just fine back in September when he finished second in the Hopeful Stakes. If he fires his best shot, this race becomes a public workout. Stablemate Terrible Tudor ran in spots at the tail end of the Brown Stakes and looks like he will take to the seven furlong distance fine. Drummer Boy from DJC Racing Stables makes a somewhat odd move here switching back to dirt after finding his racing rhythm on turf. “Boy” looks like todays distance will be perfect and if the change in surfaces agrees with him it will stamp him as the upsetter of note. Gengis from Alabarda Stables is clearly outclassed in here, but has a pattern that I like. He also shows that he can handle wet or dry and looks to also want the distance. Acid test time today, but he just might surprise more than a few with another step forward.

Of The Rest – 

Strategic Risk from Family Racing broke his maiden in the keystone state and then shipped out west to run a banger in a stakes at Del Mar. Didn’t like the surface in his next start. If it stays dry for the Saturday races at Tampa this diminutive three year old could surprise a few.

Scooby Snack from AER Stables broke his maiden and then came right back to run second in a stakes over the same track, always a good sign. This will be tougher, but “Snack” has enough gas to work out a comfortable trip.

Highstrech from Williams9 unfortunately drew the outside post and that will not help. He broke his maiden in a good looking performance and then ran admirably in a stakes when he might not of cared for the surface to finish fourth. The pilot might be forced to get a little too far back Saturday or gun too fast to gain position. See how he does and tab him for the next time he gets a decent post.

Lack Of Morals from Mb Stables is trying to find his style and it just might show up today. He ran is spots when tried at this distance at old Del Mar, but that effort also produced his best race numbers wise. If his pilot can work out a trip he could be a lot closer at the wire than most handicappers think.

Bones Jones from Big Jd Racing has won on both surfaces and knows how to charge home nearing the wire. Obviously getting the acid test today, he could run late here if he takes to the distance.

Contractor from Nakamura appears to be a router stuck on the fence. He showed plenty of gas the first time he ran under silks, but that was on turf. Not sure what to expect, but this barn is crafty and it’s hard to imagine their trainer is using this as a prep for longer. Guessing game today.

-Trackman

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded