Saturday’s card at Tampa Bay Downs features three stakes races, two of which are graded.  The first of Tampa Bay’s Kentucky Derby prep races is the Sam F. Davis (GIII), the local prep for the Tampa Bay Derby (GII).  In addition, the fillies get a chance to show their two-turn prowess in the Suncoast Stakes, though they will have to make their way to another track afterwards if they would like to progress down the Oaks trail.  Finally, the older grass fillies and mares have their day in the Endeavour (GIII).

The Sam F. Davis drew a full field of three-year-olds, almost entirely newer shooters who are ready to take that first step toward the Kentucky Derby.  Both the Suncoast and the Endeavour draw interest for another reason: for anyone who follows racing around Chicago, each drew a pair of locally connected runners.

With all of this action, Picks and Ponderings had to take a [figurative, alas…] road trip down to Tampa this weekend.  Paul Mazur takes a look at the Sam F. Davis; I dive into the Suncoast and the Endeavour.  Take a look, and leave us a comment to let us know what you think!