BAUER'S FRIDAY BETS: FAST & FIRM at TAMPA

 By Bob Bauer

Clear and sunny skies with temperatures in the mid-eighties greet racing fans today. The Downs kicks off the weekend with a nine race card; conditions are fast and firm. The first Post time for Friday is scheduled for 12:15 PM.

Tampa Bay Downs has live racing every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (except Easter), until closing day May 7.

RACE 7 is today's feature. Four year-olds and up will go a grassy mile under $16,000 Claiming NW2L conditions. Post time is 3:15 PM.

Live RadioStPete.com coverage, including the call from announcer Jason Beem starts at 3:12 p.m.

THRU THE VINE (4) appears to be a live longshot at 10/1 on the morning line. This four year-old gelding woke up in his last race, running second in a turf route that was moved to the dirt due to weather conditions. This was his first decent effort after four dull starts and signals a return to form. His final race in Tampa last season (2/26/21), which was his last turf race, was good enough win with this field. He ran second vs. $20,000 open company Claimers. Today he drops to face NW2L condition claiming rivals on the lawn for the first time. The return to the sod and the class relief are the key here. Low profile, veteran jockey Mike Allen has the return mount.

THE BET  $10 win and place ($20) on THRU THE VINE (4) and a three horse exacta box ($12) with that one and DECEIVER (1) and REINER (9)   1,4,9.   Total Bet $32   GOOD LUCK!

PREVIOUS RESULTS:  2/23/22 : Had the chalk  winner and missed the exacta. Collected $40 on the $37 total bet, a profit of $3. The bankroll is now $935.40.