BAUER'S SATURDAY BETS: FAST & FIRM at TAMPA BAY

 By Bob Bauer

Saturday continues the superb weather and racing conditions in Oldsmar. There is abundant sunshine with temperatures in the mid-eighties. Surfaces are fast and firm, the nine race card starts with the first Post time at 12:13 P.M.

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

Today's play comes in RACE 7, Post time is 3:16 PM. A salty group of older Fillies and Mares will go nine grassy furlongs, under $16,000 Starter Handicap conditions.

Live coverage on RadioStPete.com, including the call from announcer Jason Beam, begins at 3:13.

PUGILIST (8) is the one to beat here, several handicapping angles point out this lawn loving seven year old Mare. She is now in razor sharp, best form with a record of two wins and a place (by a neck) on the Tampa turf this season. The first score was at today's demanding mile and one-eighth route, wiring a Claiming field at today's $16,000 level. 

The latest win was a stalk and pounce trip vs. Optional Claiming $32,000 foes, going a flat mile. It is doubtful that any other runner here could match that performance. Now she drops to face $16,000 rivals again, trainer Jose Delgado wins at 24% with a drop after a win. Regular rider Jose Ferrer, a turf ace, retains the mount.

THE BET:   $20 to win on PUGILIST (8) and a $5 exacta box ($10) with that one and WICKED GROOVE (7) 7,8. Also, a $2 exacta box ($12) with those two and C'EST MARDI (10)  7,8,10         Total Bet $42  GOOD LUCK!

PREVIOUS RESULTS:  2/25/22:  Had the winner, was first and third in the exacta. Collected $88 on the win and place wagers, a profit of $56 on the $32 total bets. The bankroll is now $991.40.