Map Room seeks to end win drought in turf route

OLDSMAR, Fla. – The third time might be the charm for Map Room, who has turned in two good efforts in defeat at this meet and has been training sharply for Saturday’s featured eighth race at Tampa Bay Downs, a first-level, $22,500 allowance. The race covers 1 1/8 miles on turf and drew a full field of 10 older horses, plus three on the also-eligible list.

Map Room has run into some tough customers at this level here, finishing third in December and second last month. In December, he was beaten two lengths by Itsnotezbeinbreezy, who was winning his second straight start before running in the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Stakes, and a neck by Noble Thought, who has won both of his subsequent starts. On Jan. 14, Map Room had a late lead but lost by a neck to Hesmakingabigscene, who returned to win a $25,000 starter allowance Feb. 5.

Map Room, a 4-year-old gelding, is a homebred for Glen Hill Farm and is trained by Tom Proctor. He’ll have Ronnie Allen Jr. aboard from post 2.

“He got a good post,” Glen Hill president Craig Bernick said. “He’ll probably be favored and can win if he runs well, but he’s run enough times and been beat enough times that if it really doesn’t go his way, I’m sure he’ll get beat again. It looks like he’s the horse to beat in the race, but he’s only won once, and there have been a number of races that looked that way, and he finished second or third. I like his chances, but he’s got to run well.”

KEY CONTENDERS

Map Room, Artie Schiller
Last 3 Beyers: 80-80-70

◗ He’s turned in two bullet workouts since his last start, going five furlongs in 1:00 on Feb. 17 and a half-mile in 47 seconds Feb. 11.

◗ Since the start of 2016, Proctor and Allen have won here with 16 of their 45 starters together for a profitable $2.52 return on investment.

King of Diamonds, by Iron Deputy
Last 3 Beyers: 78-82-69

◗ He’s hit the board in all five of his starts, finishing a length behind Map Room when third Jan. 14, and retains leading rider Daniel Centeno.

◗ Trainer Arnaud Delacour has won with four of his last 20 starters who were making their second start following a layoff of 180 days or longer, for a strong $3.08 ROI.

Cite, by Blame
Last 3 Beyers: 75-80-69

◗ He’s making the third start of his form cycle for trainer Bill Mott and was second in a one-mile turf allowance here Feb. 4 in which he was running best of all at the end. Centeno leaves to ride King of Diamonds and is replaced by Anthony Crastus.

Hardly Home, by Hard Spun
Last 3 Beyers: 74-79-86

◗ He returned from a layoff for trainer Shug McGaughey and finished half a length behind Cite when fifth in that Feb. 4 allowance. He was rallying well along the rail and is another who might benefit from the additional furlong here.

Rapo, by Pleasantly Perfect
Last 3 Beyers: 78-81-68

◗ He’s turned in three straight strong efforts at this meet, including a win last out in a $25,000 claimer for non-winners of three races lifetime.