OLDSMAR, Fla. – King of Diamonds will look to pick up right where he left off when he makes his first start since June in the featured eighth race at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday, a first-level, $22,500 allowance at 1 1/16 miles on grass. King of Diamonds was developing into a formidable turf runner last summer when he had what trainer Arnaud Delacour described as a “minor setback,” leading his owners to take a conservative approach with him and point for a 2017 campaign. Prior to the injury, King of Diamonds won his turf debut, rallying to take a $40,000 maiden special weight race by a nose at Laurel Park in April. Most recently, King of Diamonds finished a close second after leading most of the way in a first-level allowance at Parx Racing in June. The winner of that race, Second Mate, finished second in the $50,000 Stanton Stakes at Delaware Park in his next start. King of Diamonds, a 4-year-old homebred for Susan and John Moore, has turned in six breezes here since Dec. 5 for his return, including a bullet four furlongs in 49 seconds on Dec. 27. “The horse is doing well,” Delacour said. “I’ve always liked the horse. Physically, it looks like he’s developed a little bit compared with last year. He looks like a stronger horse now, and I like him.” Race 8 KEY CONTENDERS King of Diamonds, by Iron Deputy Last 3 Beyers: 82-69-57 ◗ He will be ridden for the first time by leading jockey Daniel Centeno, who has won with 15 of his 51 mounts (29 percent) for Delacour here since the start of 2016 for a $2.07 return on investment. Delacour also has strong numbers when bringing back horses off a layoff of 180 days or longer, winning with 10 of his last 31 such starters (32 percent) for a healthy $2.45 ROI. Map Room, by Artie Schiller Last 3 Beyers: 80-70-77 ◗ Looms as a major player after finishing third, beaten two lengths by one of the most impressive turf runners at this meet, Itsnotezbeinbreezy, in a similar race last month. Speightful Song, by Speightstown Last 3 Beyers: 64-74-46 ◗ Tries routing for the first time after romping by five lengths in a $20,000 maiden special weight race at seven furlongs here last month. He has made one start on turf, finishing a close second in a $40,000 maiden special weight race going 5 1/2 furlongs at Laurel Park in September. Verger, by Pulpit Last 3 Beyers: 44-63-72 ◗ Gets back on grass after a poor comeback race on dirt here Jan. 4. He earned an 84 Beyer Speed Figure, tied for the highest mark in Saturday’s field, in winning a maiden $75,000 claiming race on turf at Saratoga in 2015 but has lost his seven subsequent starts.