Venue for 2/8

[cal828]

Stakes schedule on Bloodhorse seems to indicate that Tampa might be the place to be on 2/8. 3 graded stakes and we should be able to take the measure of Independence Hall, reportedly one of the exciting prospects for the Kentucky Derby. Looks like his race might be only a 7 horse field, but maybe some of the other races on the card will have full fields. Anyway, just a suggestion and as always, we will wait and see what the card looks like before a final venue selection is made.

[JolyB]

I like your suggestion very much Cal. Independence Hall been very impressive so far and is on a number of short lists of Derby prospects. He has been at Tampa Bay Downs since shortly after his Jerome victory and by all reports has been working out very well. While he ought to be the favorite in the Sam F. Davis, it appears as if both Ajaaweed [McLaughlin] and Premier Star [Navarro] are capable of providing him with competition.

[DonGuido]

If you dare to go to Delta Downs, they have the Louisiana Bred Premier meet with 10 upgraded stakes. Challenging for sure but Tampa should have quality potential TC contenders. And the weather looks very good in Tampa for Saturday.

[cal828]

Originally Posted by DonGuido

If you dare to go to Delta Downs, they have the Louisiana Bred Premier meet with 10 upgraded stakes. Challenging for sure but Tampa should have quality potential TC contenders. And the weather looks very good in Tampa for Saturday.

I think I have to pass on Delta. I think the "bull ring" track and no turf racing makes it a bit too exotic for me. I am not against going somewhere different, but I think that might be a bit too different.

I went there once, but that was so long ago, I am sure it has changed vastly since Boyd Gaming (Sam's Town) of Vegas fame bought it. When I went the clubhouse had a corrugated tin roof and the lake in the infield reportedly had alligators. However, I'm not sure about that alligator thing, but we are talking South Louisiana so could have been true. However, might have been just a story to scare rubes like me.

[cal828]

OK, Tampa it is. Races 3 through 12. Some dirt, some turf, some routes, some sprints, something for everyone, I think. Good luck all.