OLDSMAR, Fla. – Festival Preview Day’s top races last Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs produced varied results, from longshots, to disqualifications, to the validation of an up-and-coming young star. Ocean Knight passed his first test as a 3-year-old with a hard-earned victory over a game Divining Rod in the Grade 3, $201,500 Sam F. Davis Stakes, taking an important step toward the Kentucky Derby. While spectacular singular performances garner headlines where 3-year-olds are concerned at this time of year, shrewd horsemen with young runners are looking more for those “baby step” progressions from their charges, races that answer questions and move their horses forward without pushing too hard too early in their development. That’s why trainer Kiaran McLaughlin had to be pleased with Ocean Knight’s effort in the Sam F. Davis. For starters, it was obvious that Ocean Knight, a son of Curlin, brought a lot of his sire’s stamina with him. He looked right at home around two turns and gave every indication that the 1 1/4 miles of the Derby is within his range. Then there was the steadiness of his effort. Ocean Knight clicked through quarters of 24 seconds and change one after another as he shadowed Divining Rod from the outside. Then, when that pair hooked up in the stretch, Ocean Knight did what the good ones do: He dug in and found enough to grind down a very stubborn Divining Rod and get up in the shadow of the wire. Ocean Knight’s final time of 1:43.74 was just 0.20 seconds off the stakes record set by General Quarters, who went on to win the 2009 Blue Grass Stakes and race in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness that season. Much like his trainer, Ocean Knight isn’t flashy; he’s just plain good. He goes about his business with a singular purpose and, most important, when the game’s on the line, he brings his best. There may be others who get more attention in the coming months, but it would be unwise not to take this all-business colt seriously. And don’t forget Divining Rod. Arnaud Delacour is best known for his success with turf runners, and Divining Rod’s dam, Precious Kitten, earned almost $2 million racing on grass. Divining Rod, however, has not been worse than second in two main-track starts. Will it be turf or dirt next? It’s a nice problem to ponder.