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Sam F. Davis (GIII)

Tampa Bay Downs • Tampa, FL, USA 20-10-6-4-2
February 10, 2024

No More Time wins the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs

Sam F. Davis Stakes Race History 

Inaugurated in 1981, the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs needed more than 20 years to earn its place as a meaningful Road to the Kentucky Derby prep race. But since achieving a six-figure purse in 2004, the Sam F. Davis has steadily risen in prominence while producing a string of high-profile runners.

Contested over 1 1⁄16 miles and serving as a local prep for the Tampa Bay Derby (G3), the Sam F. Davis produced just three Derby starters during its first two decades of existence, not surprising since the purse hovered around $25,000 during the 1990s. But steady purse increases during the mid-2000s attracted higher-quality participants. 2005 winner Andromeda’s Hero went on to finish second in the Belmont S. (G1), 2006 winner Bluegrass Cat nabbed a runner-up effort in the Kentucky Derby (G1), and 2007 winner Any Given Saturday claimed the Haskell Invitational (G1).

This string of quality winners prompted the Sam F. Davis to receive Grade 3 status in 2009, further raising its national profile. Future Blue Grass (G1) and Turf Classic (G1) winner General Quarters was the first to win the newly-upgraded race, and during the 2010s, 10 horses used the Sam F. Davis as a springboard to the Kentucky Derby. Among the best were Tapwrit (runner-up in 2017) and Destin (victorious in 2016), who went on to finish first and second in the Belmont S., respectively.

The purse of the Sam F. Davis climbed to $250,000 in 2012, and in 2017 the race was added to the Road to the Kentucky Derby schedule. It now offers 20 qualification points to the winner.

By J. Keeler Johnson/TwinSpires.com

Results

Win

Place

Show

5

No More Time20

6

Agate Road10

10

West Saratoga6

12

Elysian Meadows4

11

Fulmineo2

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Entries

Jockey

Owner

Trainer

Current odds

Wagers

1

El Principito

Gabriel Maldonado

Michael V. Laurato

Michael V. Laurato

2

Tireless

Antonio A. Gallardo

St. Elias Stable, Repole Stable and LNJ Foxwoods

Todd Pletcher

3

Patriot Spirit

Samy Camacho

Mellon Patch, Inc.

Michael B. Campbell

4

Crazy Mason

Mychel J. Sanchez

Donna Wright and Reeves Thoroughbred Racing

Gregory D. Sacco

5

No More Time

Paco Lopez

Morplay Racing, LLC

Jose Francisco D'Angelo

6

Agate Road

Jose L. Ortiz

St. Elias Stable and Repole Stable

Todd Pletcher

7

Copper Tax

Charlie Marquez

Rose Petal Stables

Gary Capuano

8

Everdoit

Huber Villa-Gomez

Donald L. Ming

Kevin Rice

9

Change of Command

Tyler Gaffalione

Courtlandt Farms

Claude R. McGaughey III

10

West Saratoga

Jesus Lopez Castanon

Harry L. Veruchi

Larry W. Demeritte

11

Fulmineo

Daniel Centeno

Starlight Racing and Mark B. Grier

Arnaud Delacour

12

Elysian Meadows

Junior Alvarado

Team Penney Racing

Bill Mott

Road to the Kentucky Derby

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