The Tampa Bay Downs witnessed a day filled with drama, skill, and excitement as two significant races, the $150,000 Pasco Stakes and the $150,000 Gasparilla Stakes, unfolded. Horse racing enthusiasts were treated to unexpected results, thrilling finishes, and some heartfelt moments.
Pasco Stakes: Naughty Rascal Claims Victory After DQ
The $150,000 Pasco Stakes became the center of controversy when the pre-race favorite, Owen Almighty, crossed the finish line first but was disqualified due to interference. This surprising turn of events handed the victory to Naughty Rascal, a Florida-bred horse trained by Gerald Bennett.
Owen Almighty’s jockey, Irad Ortiz Jr., was penalized after the horse veered into Rookie Card, forcing jockey Júnior Alvarado to pull up sharply to avoid a collision. After reviewing the race, stewards ruled that Owen Almighty’s interference warranted disqualification, dropping him to fifth place.
Naughty Rascal’s trainer, Gerald Bennett, expressed optimism about the horse’s future, saying, “He’s not yet at his peak, but he’s improving with every race.” Bennett hinted at plans to enter the horse in upcoming Kentucky Derby points races, including the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) and Tampa Bay Derby (G3).
The official results moved Very Bold into second place and Cockeyed to third. Naughty Rascal’s victory improved his career earnings to $220,630, with a winning time of 1:22.50.
Gasparilla Stakes: Dancing Magic Steals the Show
In the $150,000 Gasparilla Stakes, 3-year-old filly Dancing Magic delivered a stunning come-from-behind victory under jockey Júnior Alvarado. The Michael Campbell-trained filly overcame a strong early performance by Lynn’s Milky Way, who led for much of the race.
Dancing Magic’s powerful rally secured her a two-length win, earning praise from Alvarado, who said, “She was traveling beautifully the whole way. I knew she had the strength to finish strong.”
The victory added $45,000 to Dancing Magic’s earnings, raising her total to $116,475. Trainer Michael Campbell expressed confidence in her potential, hinting at a possible entry in the Suncoast Stakes (G3), a Kentucky Oaks points race, in February.
Memorable Moments and Key Takeaways
- Sportsmanship Shines: Despite the disqualification in the Pasco Stakes, jockey Júnior Alvarado focused on the positive, saying, “I’m just glad Rookie Card and everyone else came out safe.”
- Rising Stars: Both Naughty Rascal and Dancing Magic are proving to be horses to watch, with bright futures in upcoming stakes races.
- Spectacular Racing: Tampa Bay Downs once again delivered thrilling performances, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The day’s events at Tampa Bay Downs highlighted the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of horse racing. From controversial rulings to stunning rallies, the races showcased determination, skill, and the deep bond between jockeys and their horses. As trainers and owners look ahead to bigger races like the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, these promising contenders are sure to make headlines again.
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