Chasing The Derby: Fields set for San Felipe, Tampa Bay Derby, and Swale// Hansen back in KY

Although the San Felipe (G2) is missing some once expected headliners: Sham (G3) winner Out of Bounds (off the trail), Delta Jackpot (G3) winner Sabercat (heading to the Rebel Stakes instead), and highly regarded Fed Biz (stomach cramps), it is still a stronger field as a whole than any recent Kentucky Derby prep. Out of the ten challengers, two have won graded stakes, four are graded stakes placed, and another is a listed stakes winner. Also, two horses not among that group of seven, Bodemeister and Blingo, come into the race with a lot of Derby buzz based on impressive maiden wins and recent training. Trainer Jack Carava has already stated that his entry American Act is only 50-50 to run in the San Felipe and may wait for the Sunland Derby(G3)// The Tampa Bay Derby (G2) field of twelve appears stronger than its preceding prep race the Sam Davis (G3). Three out of the four top finishers of the Sam Davis return, including winner Battle Hardened, and they will have to face highly touted Take Charge Indy and Todd Pletcher-trained Spring Hill Farm among others. Tampa Bay Downs published an extremely thorough evaluation of past Tampa Bay Derbys and what to look for in this year’s edition by Peter Mallett, and it’s linked below// Ever So Lucky, who has suffered some recent foot bruising, seems on track to make Saturday’s 7-furlong Swale (G2) at Gulfstream. That field drew 10 colts and geldings, with Motor City being the most accomplished based on his win in the Iroquois (G3) at Churchill last Fall. The distance of the Swale probably suits others instead, but the race is a mere steppingstone to bigger and better things. Todd Pletcher’s Thunder Moccasin was a surprise non-entry in the Swale, and no reason was given as to why the Hutcheson (G2) winner will skip the race// Full entries and a link to pps for all graded races on Saturday can be found below…

San Felipe Stakes (G2)

Entries / PPs (Look for March 10 Bodemeister)

Preview Articles: Santa Anita / DRF / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / TTimes / Graded Stakes Blog

Tampa Bay Derby (G2)

Entries / PPs (Look for March 10 Spring Hill Farm)

Preview Articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet / Courier Journal

Handicapping the Tampa Bay Derby (Tampa Bay Downs)

Swale Stakes (G2)

Entries / PPs (Look for March 10 Quick Wit)

Preview Articles: Bloodhorse / Brisnet / TTimes

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