Sam F. Davis top finishers Flameaway, Catholic Boy headed separate ways

OLDSMAR, Fla. – Flameaway and Catholic Boy, the top two finishers Saturday in the Grade 3 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, appear to be headed in separate directions as their connections start looking farther down the road to the 144th Kentucky Derby.

Flameaway, a half-length winner under Jose Lezcano, picked up 10 qualifying points for the May 5 Derby, assuming the Scat Daddy colt is nominated to the Triple Crown for $6,000 by the next deadline, March 19. Trainer Mark Casse said that missing the $600 first deadline for Flameaway was an oversight, and that he and owner John Oxley intend to nominate him to the Triple Crown.

“The colt came out of it in great shape,” Casse said. “We’ll keep our options open.”

Casse said the March 10 Tampa Bay Derby and April 7 Blue Grass at Keeneland are logical next steps for Flameaway.

Flameaway earned a career-high 92 Beyer Speed Figure in the Sam Davis and finished the 1 1/16-mile distance in 1:42.44, shaving .01 of a second off the stakes record, set last year by McCraken.

Trainer Jonathan Thomas said he was pleased overall with the first race for Catholic Boy since his victory in the Remsen in early December. Catholic Boy earned a 91 Beyer, the same as in the Remsen.

“He hung on us a little bit, and that was a first,” said Thomas. “But if you look at the big picture, it was a solid effort, considering the ground he lost on both turns and it was his first race in 10 weeks.”

Thomas said the March 31 Florida Derby at Gulfstream is still likely for Catholic Boy, although the March 24 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds also will be considered as a lone prep between now and the Kentucky Derby.

“I like the timing of either one,” said Thomas.

:: ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays, and analysis

Vino Rosso finished third in the Sam Davis, beaten 1 1/4 lengths by Flameaway, his first defeat in three career starts. The Curlin colt is back with the

Todd Pletcher stable at Palm Beach Downs, with future plans to be determined.

Hollywood Star did not run particularly well when finishing fourth, beaten nearly 10 lengths by the winner. Trainer Dale Romans said he likely will give the colt another try somewhere on the Derby trail.

Still, Festival Preview Day was not all bad for Romans. He won the $100,000 Suncoast with C.S. Incharge, who surely will need to improve on her 68 Beyer as she continues along the Kentucky Oaks trail. C.S. Incharge earned 10 Oaks qualifying points despite the Suncoast not being a graded race.