The Critical Way should rule wagering in Tampa allowance
With Churchill Downs and Del Mar both having concluded their fall meets Sunday, it only follows that horseplayers in the international simulcasting market will now be paying closer attention to Tampa Bay Downs.
Tampa began its 2021-22 meet began with three cards last week, and now things will start to ramp up at the Oldsmar, Fla., track. A five-furlong allowance that drew The Critical Way, a top performer in the national turf-sprint ranks, is on tap for Wednesday, when first post is 12:25 p.m. Eastern.
The Critical Way, with Samy Camacho riding for trainer Jose Delgado, is a 3-5 program favorite in race 6, a $29,000 allowance with hybrid conditions, including a $75,000 claiming option. In fact, The Critical Way is one of six in an eight-horse field whose connections are risking him for the tag.
:: Get Daily Racing Form Past Performances – the exclusive home of Beyer Speed Figures
The Critical Way has earned $266,425 from seven starts this year when knocking heads with some of the top turf sprinters on the East Coast. His three 2021 victories include triumphs at short odds in the Wolf Hill at Monmouth Park and the Grade 3 Parx Dash at Parx Racing.
One other allowance (race 7) directly follows the Wednesday feature on a nine-race card. It’s a $28,000 race that got seven fillies and mares going seven furlongs.
A fast main track and firm turf can be expected with no rain in the local forecast throughout the week. The Wednesday high will be in the low 70s.
Tampa has started with a three-day schedule (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays) but will extend to four days when Sundays are added Dec. 26. Also, racing will be held Dec. 23 to make up for Dec. 24 and 25 being dark.