PartialLogo
Horse racing tips

US expert Adrian Wall thinks versatile performer can shine at Tampa Bay Downs

Bella Linda
5.15 Tampa Bay Downs
1pt win

Enjoy Baseball
6.45 Tampa Bay Downs
1pt win

Yabba Dabba Dude
7.45 Tampa Bay Downs
1pt win

The first race on Saturday evening's card at Tampa Bay Downs is a contest for three-year-olds only and although the purse is a modest $6,521, one horse sticks out as a must-bet at the odds.

The top horse in the field, Bella Linda, should have more than enough in the tank to see off her rivals. Highest-rated in the field with a mark of 70 and, with a good berth from stall one, Antonio Gallardo should be able to get himself into a good early position and can dominate proceedings.

Placed twice here already this year, Bella Linda is now very familiar with the track and everything looks set for a massive run. The main threat could come from Nagini who is running in easier company after hitting the frame in a better race than this last time out.

Moving on to another three-year-old only maiden claiming contest, the horse that sticks out as being the most interesting in the field is the Timothy Hamm-trained Enjoy Baseball.

Drawn 11 of 11, jockey Angel Suarez is going to have to be sharp when the gates open but if he gets the horse into a good early position then I am extremely hopeful of a huge run.

This son of Tapizar arrives here fresh off the back of a 157-day break and caught my eye at Thistledown last year when he was a remote second behind Perfect Score over five and a half furlongs, but was doing his best work late on.

He has been slightly outpaced over six on two subsequent runs when sent off at pretty short odds and I think he should be better over seven furlongs, a trip that looks well within his compass.

Arguably the race of the night is the claiming contest for four-year-olds and upwards and with so many progressive types taking each other on it promises to be a fascinating contest.

The one I like at the odds is the top horse, Yabba Dabba Dude from the Carlos Silva stables. On January 17 he was sent off the 5-4 favourite over this course and distance and won quite well, for all he ought to have as it was a weaker contest than this.

He showed how versatile he is last time out, dropping back to six and a half furlongs at this track, and demolishing his rivals by six lengths. He stays a mile, has a high cruising speed and has a nice turn of foot so is the one for me in what looks a trappy affair.


Place bets on international races with the Racing Post app. Log in to your bookmaker accounts in the Accounts tab in the bottom right and then click cards to view the racecards


Published on inHorse racing tips

Last updated

iconCopy