The FL Oaks – Grade III
$200.000 For Three Fillies Three Years Old
1 1/16 Miles – Turf
Tampa Bay Downs – March 7, 2026

Wild Water Wagon came back to the grass for the first time since winning the BC Juvenile Fillies Turf last November and was “greeted” by a tough group of fillies she had beaten that day, greeted in the same way the Pink Ladies greeted Sandy in Grease on the first day of school! No one was going to make it easy for her, and it was a knock down drag out stretch long fight between her and eventual winner Influence Seeker with both being swarmed in the final strides by a herd of charging closers. This is a talented group of young turf fillies and hopefully we will see many rematches between them throughout the year. Great race. 

Winner: Influence Seeker (Mb Stables/T. Gaffalione) Political Pressure/Hollywood Charm (Soho Jackman) Broke well out of her outer post position ten and settled nicely a couple of lengths behind dueling stablemates down the backstretch. When Wild Water Wagon had dispatched Follow The Queen with three furlongs to go Influence Seeker was immediately set down after her. The two hooked up at the top of the stretch and it looked like Influence Seeker had all the momentum and would sweep by but the two stayed head and head to the wire with Influence Seeker hitting the wire a head in front.

Second: Wild Water Wagon (La Canada Racehorses/P. Morales) R E O Speedwagon/Wild Light (Breath Of The Wild) Broke quickly from post eleven and surprisingly went forward to try to clear the field going into the first turn. Showing unusual early speed, she hooked up in a head-to-head duel with stablemate Follow The Queen down the backstretch. In the preview I had said that her stablemate might use her early speed to soften up some others not thinking she might soften up Wild Water Wagon. When Follow The Queen gave way there was no breather as Influence Seeker immediately pounced. Despite the early duel Wild Water Wagon refused to yield and battled to the last stride just losing the head bob.

Third: Shot Of Summer (Diablo Diablo/S.X. Bridgmohan) Indian Summer/Action Shot (Action Man) Sat well back and bided her time. Began her move going into the far turn and made her bid with a furious late charge that found her moving fastest of all late. Ran out of ground and fell short by just a neck. Lost the G1 Natalma last year to Influence Seeker by a nose so she is right there. 

Fourth: State Title (Team 7 Illusions/A.A. Gallardo) Dream Sequence/Oh For Juan (Supercomplication) Broke best of all then was allowed to settle in a stalking position just behind Influence Seeker. Was asked to run when that one did and responded well swinging wide into the stretch and making steady progress throughout falling a half-length short and getting nipped for third late. 

Preview Pick: State Title finished fourth. We had the top four as the top four just in the wrong order. 

The FL Oaks was the fourth win, and second graded stakes win for Influence Seeker. It was the fourth win in this race for Mb Stable and second straight having won with Creepy Ruler last year. It was the first win in The FL Oaks for jockey T. Gaffalione. The win brings career earnings for Influence Seeker to $541.920.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES