By Fred York and Sean Miller
Let ‘Em Run Weekend Recap and Tampa Bay Derby Analysis
Saturday’s racing action at Gulfstream Park delivered a mix of thrilling finishes, value plays, and a few close calls. The Let ‘em Run team identified some sharp picks, including a strong showing in Race 7, where our top choice #2 Here’s the Kicker took home the win under red-hot jockey Luis Saez, paying a solid $6.60. Our live longshot pick, #3 Into Amore, also made waves, finishing second and returning $4.00 to place—an excellent way to start the late Pick 5 sequence.
In Race 8, we targeted an intriguing longshot, #1 Beyond Belief, who controlled the pace for three-quarters of the race before running out of steam. While the upset didn’t materialize, the horse showed enough early speed to be one to watch moving forward. Race 9 was more rewarding, as our top selection #8 Emirates Affair delivered as expected, with Paco Lopez guiding him to victory at $7.20. Our secondary pick, #3 Timely Reward, finished a respectable third. The highlight of the sequence, the Grade 3 Hurricane Bertie Stakes, gave us another near-hit. Our top pick, #4 R Disaster, nearly wired the field before getting nosed out by our second choice, #1 Nic’s Style, in an electric finish.
Race 11 closed the Gulfstream card on a high note, with our second choice, #5 I’m Due, proving his name fitting by rolling home impressively at $6.40. Overall, the selections performed well, providing solid returns for those who followed along.
Tampa Bay Derby Recap: Owen Almighty Stamps His Authority
The marquee event of the day, the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby, featured a gritty and determined performance from Owen Almighty, who earned 50 crucial Kentucky Derby points with a strong stretch drive. However, despite securing his spot in the Derby starting gate, there are whispers that his connections may opt for the one-mile Pat Day Mile on the Derby undercard instead of stretching out to the classic 1 1/4-mile distance. The colt’s tactical speed and finishing kick make him an intriguing prospect for shorter distances, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on his future plans.
As for our selection, Patch Adams, he made a late bid but lacked the explosive turn of foot needed to challenge the leaders down the stretch. While his effort was commendable, it reinforced the depth of this year’s Derby prep field, where only the best closers will rise to the occasion on the first Saturday in May.
Looking Ahead: Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs
Next Saturday, the Kentucky Derby prep trail moves to Colonial Downs for the Virginia Derby. This race will feature a field of ten talented contenders, led by the fleet-footed Getaway Car, who will break from post #6 with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard. With several quality horses in the lineup, this race promises to be a competitive affair.
Be sure to check back for our in-depth analysis of the Virginia Derby and other key races at Colonial Downs. Also, don’t miss the Let ‘Em Run Podcast on Thursday night at 8 p.m., where we’ll break down our “One Horse Wonder” segment—highlighting one key horse to watch in each featured race. Stay tuned, and let’s keep cashing tickets!
