A high-profile Kentucky Derby prep race happens this weekend when 3-year-old ponies head to Tampa Bay to run in the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby. Like in most Derby preps, Todd Pletcher will represent with a couple of contenders. Also on Saturday, Oaklawn runs the Grade 2 Azeri, and Santa Anita has the Grade 1 Beholder. Check out info for the races that should be on your radar.
Check horse racing odds and more information for six fantastic graded races happening on March 11th.
Top Stakes Races for the Week
Top Stakes Races of the Week: Saturday, Mar. 11
Grade 3 Hurricane Bertie
Track: Gulfstream Park
When: Saturday, Mar. 11
Distance: 6 ½ furlongs dirt – 4 year old fillies & mares
Patrick Biancone trained Diamond Wow should attract some action. Although she bombed in the Grade 2 Inside Information, there’s no doubting her talent.
Todd Pletcher will saddle the chalk in second place Inside Information finisher Colorful Mischief. Bill Mott trained Frank’s Rockette will go off second choice. Fire On Time from the Dale Romans barn, Drifaros, and R Adios Jersey should also run.
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Grade 2 Azeri
Track: Oaklawn Park
When: Saturday, Mar. 11
Distance: 1 1/16 miles dirt – 4 year old fillies & mare
The runner that should attract the most action in the Grade 2 Azeri projects as either Steve Asmussen trained Clairiere or D. Wayne Lukas trained Secret Oath.
The other two that should attract action are Hidden Connection from the Bret Calhoun barn, and Brad Cox trained Interstatedaydream. Hot and Sultry and Lovely Ride also figure to enter the gate.
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Grade 3 Florida Oaks
Track: Tampa Bay Downs
When: Saturday, Mar. 11
Distance: 1 1/16 miles turf – 3 year old fillies
Free Look trained by Chad Brown figures to go off the favorite. The Tapit sired runner finished fifth in the Grade 1 Breeders” Cup Juvenile Fillies in the last.
Todd Pletcher should saddle the second choice in Alpha Bella, which finished third in the Grade 3 Sweetest Chant. Suncoast Stakes winner Dreaming of Snow and Stephanie’s Charm will also garner action.
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Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby
Track: Tampa Bay Derby
When: Saturday, Mar. 11
Distance: 1 1/16 miles dirt – 3 year olds
Todd Pletcher projects to saddle two of the top choices in Tapit Trice and Shesterkin. Both will have a chance to win this.
Classic Legacy from the Bill Mott barn will attract some dollars. Both of Saffie Joseph Jr.’s runners, Prairie Hawk and West Coast Cowboy, should also have a shot. Other entrants will include: Freedom Road, Zydeceaux, Classic Car Wash, Groveland, and Mikey Bananas.
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Grade 2 San Carlos
Track: Santa Anita Park
When: Saturday, Mar. 11
When: 7 furlongs dirt – 4 year olds & up
Second in the Grade 1 Malibu, Forbidden Kingdom should go off close to even money, or even less than even money, to win the Grade 2 San Carlos.
The Richard Mandella trained runner has the skills to be one of this year’s top older horses. So far, only Get Her Number, Holden The Lute, and Spirit of Makena have signed on to challenge Forbidden Kingdom.
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Grade 1 Beholder Mile
Track: Santa Anita Park
When: Saturday, Mar. 11
Distance: 1 mile dirt – 4 year old fillies & up
At least ten runners have confirmed for the Grade 1 Beholder. Among the ten, Bob Baffert will saddle four: probable chalk Midnight Memories, Adare Manor, Ganadora, and Fun To Dream.
Brad Cox will run contender A Mo Ready. Steve Asmussen will go with Pauline’s Pearl. Other entrants include Desert Dawn, Awake At Mydnite, Kirstenbosch, and Alice Marble.
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