Nova Rags tops Sam Davis nominations

Nominations have been released for Festival Preview Day at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 6, when the Grade 3 Sam F. Davis is foremost among the four stakes to be run that day at the Oldsmar, Fla., track.

Most of the 37 3-year-olds nominated to the $200,000 Sam Davis have done little more than get through their maiden condition. Still, it’s a Kentucky Derby points qualifier (10-4-2-1) that should serve as a breakthrough for the winner.

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Nova Rags, a dominant winner of the Jan. 16 Pasco at Tampa for trainer Bill Mott, is among the nominees to the 1 1/16-mile Sam Davis, along with six for Todd Pletcher and three for Dale Romans. The Sam Davis is a stepping-stone to the marquee race at Tampa, the March 6 Tampa Bay Derby.

Mutasaabeq, winner of the Mucho Macho Man earlier this month at Gulfstream Park for Pletcher, is expected to run this Saturday in the Holy Bull at Gulfstream.

The other Festival Preview events are the Suncoast Stakes, a Kentucky Oaks qualifier (10-4-2-1), and a pair of Grade 3 turf stakes, the Endeavour and Tampa Bay stakes. Entries for all races will be drawn Feb. 3.

Dayoutoftheoffice, runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, is the most prominent nominee to the Suncoast, but trainer Tim Hamm said she is more likely to wait for the Feb. 27 Davona Dale at Gulfstream after having just her second breeze Sunday at Tampa following a short break.

Ontrack fans welcome

Unlike most other tracks across the country during the pandemic, Tampa continues to allow ontrack spectators, with strict health protocols in effect. The track has announced that seating for Festival Preview Day will be limited to 2,500, with a $10 general admission (and a service fee) being charged through Eventbrite.com.

The track also is selling a limited number of tables in its popular backyard picnic area adjacent to the upper stretch for $50 (includes admission for six people).