OLDSMAR, Fla. – Allie’s Event, who benefited from jockey Antonio Gallardo’s quick thinking in the stretch to win his sixth race over the Tampa Bay Downs turf course, may well earn a spot in the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Stakes on Jan. 24 with a strong showing in Saturday’s optional-claiming feature at a mile over the local turf course. The red-hot Gallardo will return aboard Allie’s Event for trainer Lori Smock as the veteran runner goes after his 12th career win. Last time out, Allie’s Event raced along in last early in another one-mile turf tilt, advanced through a sub-24-second middle quarter, but still was behind a wall of horses in midstretch when Gallardo dove to the inside with his mount and slipped through along the rail to get up in the final strides. The win marked the 13th time in 18 starts that Allie’s Event had finished first or second over the Tampa Bay Downs infield course. Even though the feature has attracted just seven runners, it has more than its fair share of intriguing betting opportunities. One of those involves Developer, an Arnaud Delacour trainee who drops out of graded stakes company and has blinkers removed for Saturday’s race. A Dynaformer 5-year-old, Developer has shown flashes of talent, with three wins from nine career starts, but in spite of his strong turf bloodlines, he is winless in two tries over the green. Tiz Sardonic Joe has won 2 of 5 starts since moving to the barn of Wesley Ward early in 2014 and comes off a three-month break. He was beaten just a neck in the Grade 2 Fort Lauderdale in 2013. Sockarooni and Sinatra are stalker/closer types who should benefit from the fact that there are several in this group who like to race on or near the lead. Key contenders Tiz Sardonic Joe (Last 3 Beyers: 78-89-93) Has come off short layoffs with strong efforts in the past. Figures to be sitting just off a realistic pace. Allie’s Event (Last 3 Beyers: 89-94-81) This is another whose chances improve the faster they go early. Loves the local course, with 6 of 11 lifetime wins coming locally. Sockarooni (Last 3 Beyers: 73-79-76) Has run just five times since 2012 but has won two of those, including one tally on turf at Ellis Park. His late-running style fits well in this group, with several runners who prefer to race close up from the start.