Tampa Bay Downs Picks for Wednesday, November 19:
HORSING AROUND: It’s no secret that Mr. Ed’s favorite race tracks are Saratoga and Keeneland (a dead heat for first), but many fellow horseplayers are surprised to learn that next on my list is Tampa Bay Downs. There’s nothing big about TBD — it’s small and friendly, with free parking, excellent and affordable food, open seating (including round tables on a first-come, first-served basis), and a B+ racing product. In Mr. Ed’s rarely humble opinion, it offers the best eastern U.S. horse racing available between now and the start of the 2026 Championship Meet at Gulfstream in mid-January. Non-wagering dollars go a long way at Tampa Bay. So, for opening day on Wednesday and this Saturday, Mr. Ed will study his PPs and offer his exclusive VSiN selections. All-the-time sunshine is the Florida forecast.
Mr. Ed’s Selections for Tampa Bay Downs for Wednesday, 11/19
Race 1 (12:40 p.m. ET/9:40 a.m. PT) — $25K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going a mile and 40 yards
Mr. Ed says “Let’s play two” with a Daily Double of: #1 FABULOUS CANDY (5-2 morning line) ridden by very sharp, leading local rider Samuel Marin with tip-top trainer Juan Avila, and #4 OMIKAMI (3-1) with jockey Gaddiel Martinez up for trainer Ralph Baez. Popular pair.
TAMPA BAY DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Daily Double: 1,4/7,11. ($20)
Race 2 (1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT) — $19K CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs and Up going 6½ furlongs
I’ll take a shot with either of a pair to complete DD: #7 LA GATA SALVAJE (7-2 morning line) for trainer Kevin McKathan with veteran Ademar Santos in the irons, and #11 QUEEN ATLAS (3-1) with popular Antonio Gallardo riding.
Race 3 (1:40 p.m. ET/10:40 a.m. PT) — $19K CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going six furlongs
Mr. Ed is a long-time fan of veteran jockey Chris Landeros, aboard #11 HARPER’S AFLEET (7-2 morning line) for solid trainer Jon Arnett, who brings speedy gelding east from Prairie Meadows. On drop, he’s better than these.
TAMPA BAY DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 4 (2:10 p.m. ET/11:10 a.m. PT) — $23K MAIDEN CLAIMING for 2YO fillies going 5½-furlongs
I’m betting on #6 LA CHISMOSA (3-1 morning line) for top trainer Jose Gallegos and leading local rider Samuel Marin. Ready to break maiden after promising Colonial and Delaware efforts. Movin’ on up.
TAMPA BAY DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10).
Race 5 (2:40 p.m. ET/11:40 a.m. PT) — $23,300 CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 1 1/16-mile on the grass
Mr. Ed likes a trio: #1 ATTENDING (5-1 morning line) with a powerful pairing of Samuel Marin riding for Kathleen O’Connell barn; #4 A GREAT DATE (6-1) with Eddie Gonzalez riding for Jose D’Angelo, and #9 SLIVER OF SUNSHINE (8-1) for excellent trainer Kathleen DeMasi and Antonio Gallardo on board.
TAMPA BAY DOWNS SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Races 7-9 (3:40 p.m. ET/12:40 p.m. PT) — $1 PICK 3
R7: 2,3,9,10
R8: 1,6,7
R9: 1,2,4,9 ($48)
Race 9 (4:40 p.m. ET/1:40 p.m. PT) — $29K CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going a mile on the grass
Mr. Ed couldn’t resist betting on #1 EDDIE THE GREAT (4-1 morning line ) with trainer Gerald Bennett and Eddie (naturally) Gonzalez riding. How would Mr. Ed feel if he neglected to play him?
TAMPA BAY DOWNS SELECTION: $10 to Win & $5 Exacta Box of 1/2,4,9. ($40)
TOTAL WAGERS: $168
SATURDAY AT TAMPA BAY: Mr. Ed will return on Saturday with his exclusive VSiN selections. First post for the 9-race card 12:33 p.m. ET/9:33 a.m. PT.
