Win Win Win targets Tampa Bay Derby
Win Win Win, who earned a 99 Beyer Speed Figure when setting a stakes record of 1:20.89 in the seven-furlong Pasco, is skipping the Sam F. Davis next Saturday in favor of the meet showcase, the March 9 Tampa Bay Derby, trainer Mike Trombetta said.
Bred and owned by the Live Oak Stud of Charlotte Weber, Win Win Win remained at Tampa after the Jan. 19 Pasco in the care of Trombetta’s assistant, Melanie Williams.
“I’m planning on breezing him the morning of the Davis,” Trombetta said from Maryland. “The weather up here has been too troublesome. I thought it best just to leave him and a few other horses down there.”
Win Win Win, by Hat Trick, is now 3 for 4. The 1 1/16-mile Tampa Bay Derby will be his first start beyond seven furlongs.
“I’ve talked about running him on the grass and some other things, but not right now,” Trombetta said. “This is the time to see how he matches up going long.”
Imperial Hint gets ready
Imperial Hint, third as the favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint to end an outstanding 2018, continues to progress toward his seasonal debut in the Feb. 16 Pelican Stakes at six furlongs. The 6-year-old Florida-bred horse had his third work toward his comeback when going five furlongs in 59 seconds on Jan. 26.
“I might breeze him one more time” this coming week, said trainer Luis Carvajal Jr. “He is doing very well.”
Carvajal and owner Ray Mamone are looking to run Imperial Hint back in the Dubai Golden Shaheen if all goes well in the Pelican.
Jeannie’s Beepbeep to the shelf
Jeannie’s Beepbeep, whose last-to-first run in her Dec. 15 debut is one of the more impressive efforts by a maiden at the 2018-19 meet, was nearing a second start when trainer Tony Granitz had to stop on her recently.
“We had a little setback with her,” Granitz said.
Jeannie’s Beepbeep, a 3-year-old filly by Successful Appeal, had three breezes following her only race, the last coming Jan. 23.
Camacho lengthens lead
Perhaps as something of a surprise to anyone expecting Antonio Gallardo to overtake him, Samy Camacho has assumed a sizable margin over Gallardo, the perennial leading jockey, atop the meet standings. Into Friday, Camacho led 59-41 over Gallardo, with Pablo Morales next with 24 wins.
Gerald Bennett has his customary lead atop the trainer standings with easily the most starts (106) and wins (26).
◗ Nine races are on tap for Super Bowl Sunday, with a modest starter allowance (race 6) surrounded by maiden and/or claiming races. First post is 12:40 p.m. Eastern, with the last going at 4:50.
