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Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - 2/6/2012 (video)

Steve Haskin adds I'll Have Another to his Derby Dozen. Alpha moves up as Steve notes Mr. Prankster and Battle Hardened. Steve also recaps the Robert B. Lewis Stakes and Withers from the weekend.

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After the Wire - 2/5/2012

Evan Hammonds recaps the Sam F. Davis Stakes, the Robert B. Lewis Stakes, and touches on the Withers. Evan also comments on Star Guitar's victory in the Louisiana Premier Night Championship.

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Endeavour: Zagora Sharp in Return

Odds-on favorite Zagora, off for nearly five months, was razor sharp in her return Feb. 4 at Tampa Bay Downs, taking over at the top of the stretch en route to winning the $150,000 Endeavour Stakes (gr. IIIT).

Keertana, Zagora Collide in Endeavour

Keertana, a winner in four of her five starts last year including three in graded ranks, returns from an extended layoff as one of the main contenders in the $150,000 Endeavour Stakes (gr. IIIT) Feb. 4 at Tampa Bay Downs.

Pletcher Sets Sights on Another Sam Davis Win

Already with a slew of top 3-year-olds taking aim at the Triple Crown, Todd Pletcher will send out yet another prospect in the $250,000 Sam F. Davis (gr. III), a race he has won four of the last six years.

Racing, Gaming on Florida Legislative Agenda

The Florida legislature began a two-month session Jan. 10 with a big part of its focus on a gaming bill that could lead to the first all-games casinos in the state along with other changes that would impact racing.

1,000th Win Has Special Meaning for Goncalves

As he signed autographs on his return to the jockeys' room after winning his 1,000th race in the United States at Tampa Bay Downs Dec. 28, Leandro Goncalves' wide smile masked his emotions.

Lentenor Scores At Tampa Bay Downs

Barbaro's full brother Lentenor won an allowance/optional claiming event at Tampa Bay Downs Dec. 23 on the turf for Lael Stables.

Lentenor to Run Dec. 23 at Tampa Bay Downs

Roy and Gretchen Jackson's Lentenor, a 4-year-old full brother to Barbaro, is slated to run in the seventh race Dec. 23 at Tampa Bay Downs. He'll face nine in the 1 1/16-mile allowance/optional claimer on the turf.

Tampa Bay to Provide Calder Horse Shuttle

Tampa Bay Downs will provide a free shuttle for horses from Calder Casino & Race Course to Tampa Bay Downs starting Saturday, Dec. 31, and continuing each Saturday through the current meeting.

Tampa Bay Stakes Purses to Increase

Track's stakes schedule offers purse money of about $2.6 million. Seven stakes races are offering increases of $25,000, fueled partially by contributions from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association.

Tampa: Improvements, Slightly Lower Takeout

Tampa Bay Downs will open its 2011-12 meet Dec. 3 with lower pari-mutuel takeout rates on some wagers and $1.5 million in capital improvements.

Florida TBOA Takes Step Toward Possible Meet

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association has taken the first step toward converting its Quarter Horse permit to a Thoroughbred permit, for a possible Thoroughbred race meet in Marion County.

Tampa Bay Numbers Increase Again

For the second year in a row, Tampa Bay Downs concluded its meet with a record set for co-mingled all-sources handle.

Pluck Has No Luck in Tampa Bay Return

Pluck, making his first start since winning last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. IIT), failed to fire in an allowance race at Tampa Bay Downs March 12 and finished fourth as the 3-10 favorite.

Pluck Bypassing Palm Beach for TB Allowance

Pluck, last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. IIT) winner for Team Valor, will begin his 3-year-old season in a $30,000 allowance race on turf at Tampa Bay Downs March 12.

Drosselmeyer, Schoolyard Dreams in TB Stakes

Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Drosselmeyer and multiple graded stakes placed local Schoolyard Dreams headline the $60,000 Challenger Stakes March 5 at Tampa Bay Downs.

Uncle Mo Might Start in New Gulfstream Race

Mike Repole confirmed Feb. 16 that he and trainer Todd Pletcher are considering the newly-written Timely Writer Stakes at Gulfstream Park for champion Uncle Mo when he makes his 3-year-old debut.

Tampa Bay Downs Announces Purse Increase

As a result of an overall handle increase of 5%, as well as a successful Festival Preview Day Presented by Lambholm South, Tampa Bay Downs announced there will be a purse increase for the remainder of racing season.

Dominguez Caps Huge Day on Silver Reunion

Silver Reunion responded well from a lengthy layoff, going wire-to-wire to take the $125,000 Endeavour Stakes (gr. IIIT) Feb. 12 at Tampa Bay Downs

Brethren Dazzles in Sam F. Davis Romp

Brethren remained unbeaten in three starts and did so in scintillating fashion, drawing off to a four length victory in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III).

All Eyes on Brethren in Sam F. Davis

Should Brethren run big in the $225,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III) Feb. 12 at Tampa Bay Downs, the WinStar Farm homebred is sure to join the mix as a serious Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) contender.

Oregon Horsemen Supporting NEHBPA

The horsemen in Oregon have joined the list of groups supporting the New England chapter of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association as dispute over a 2011 live racing contract at Suffolk Downs continues.

Tampa Bay Downs Cancels Jan. 6 Races

A problem with the Florida racetrack getting its broadcast signal to simulcast outlets forced the cancellation.

Tampa Bay Announces Stakes Schedule

Tampa Bay Downs will kick off its 91-day meet Dec. 11, with the Tampa Bay Derby highlighting the Oldsmar, Fla. racetrack's 85th season. Twenty-five stakes will be run for an approximate total of $2.5 million in purses.

All-Source Handle Improves at Tampa Bay

Despite declines in on-track handle and attendance, the 84th season of live racing at Tampa Bay Downs concluded May 2, with the Oldsmar, Fla., track reporting a 5.16% increase in average daily all-source handle.

O'Connell, Ness Tie for Tampa Training Title

Kathleen O'Connell and Jamie Ness tied atop the trainer standings with 51 victories apiece as the 2009-2010 Tampa Bay Downs season came to a close May 2.

A 'Done Deal' to Help Florida Tracks

The Florida Legislature passed a bill with long-sought benefits for Thoroughbred racetracks, including tax breaks, more slot machines, and extended poker room hours. The governor is expected to sign the bill into law.

Crist, Seminoles Agree to Compact

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and leaders of the Seminole Tribe of Florida said April 6 that they have agreed to a Gaming Compact for the Seminoles' seven casinos in the state.

Keeneland Again Tops HANA Racetrack Rankings

Keeneland in Kentucky has again finished number one in the Horseplayers Association of North America track ratings released April 1.

Odysseus Takes Tampa Bay Derby Thriller

Padua Stables' Odysseus, who looked like a beaten horse turning for home, re-rallied during an incredible stretch run and nosed Schoolyard Dreams in the final jump to win a thrilling edition of the $300,000 Tampa Bay Derby

Diva Delite Wins 5th Straight in Florida Oaks

Local star Diva Delite notched her fifth straight win and proved herself in graded stakes company, as she rolled past rivals coming off the final turn en route to a two-length victory in the $175,000 Florida Oaks (gr. III).

She Be Wild Looks to Bounce Back in Fla. Oaks

Champion filly She Be Wild, a disappointing fifth in her season debut last month at Gulfstream Park, ships further north to Tampa Bay Downs in hopes of rebounding in the $175,000 Florida Oaks (gr. III) March 13.

Super Saver Starts Back in Tampa Bay Derby

WinStar Farm's Super Saver will make his much-anticipated 3-year-old debut in the $300,000 Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III) March 13.

HRRN to Broadcast Major March 13 Races

HRRN will broadcast live the Tampa Bay Derby March 13 from Tampa Bay Downs. Coverage will also include the New Orleans Ladies and the Santa Margarita, featuring Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, respectively

Big Truck Injured, Euthanized at Tampa

Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III) winner and 2008 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) starter Big Truck was euthanized after suffering an injury while training at Tampa Bay Downs March 4.

First Win for Tampa Trainer Jena Antonucci

Trainer Jena Antonucci saddled her first career winner, Irish Wildcat, in the 11th race at Tampa Bay Downs March 7.

TOBA Announces New Owner Seminar

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced Feb. 22 that it will conduct a New Owner Seminar March 12 at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar, Fla.

Rule Buries Rivals in Sam Davis

Rule led at every call and further cemented himself as a legitimate Kentucky Derby (gr. I) contender with a convincing three-length win in the $225,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III) Feb. 13 at Tampa Bay Downs

Rule Goes to School in Uptown Sam Davis

Rule looks to be the controlling pace in Saturday's Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III) at Tampa Bay Downs, and his speed figures tower over the competition.

Sam Davis Stakes Headlined by Rule

A solid group of 3-year-olds, led by Delta Jackpot (gr. III) winner Rule, is set to clash at Tampa Bay Downs in the $200,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III) Feb. 13.

Musket Man Fires in Super Stakes at Tampa Bay

Musket Man made a successful return in his first start since back-to-back third-place finishes in the first two legs of last year's Triple Crown, winning the Super Stakes by a half-length at Tampa Bay Downs Feb. 6.

Musket Man Returns in Super Stakes at Tampa

Musket Man, winner of the 2009 Tampa Bay Derby and Illinois Derby, and third place finisher in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, will make his first start of the season in the $75,000 Super Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs

Trainer O'Connell Wins Four at Tampa Bay

Kathleen O'Connell, the leading trainer at Tampa Bay Downs, won four races at the track Jan. 10, tying the record for most wins in a day there by a trainer set by O'Connell and Jamie Ness.

Apprentice McManigell Wins First Race

Apprentice jockey Kristina McManigell won her first career race when she piloted Real Stormy to victory in the second race Jan. 7 at Tampa Bay Downs.

General Quarters Set for Fair Grounds Return

General Quarters, winner of this year's grade I Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, returns to the races at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots Dec. 26 in an allowance test at six furlongs.

Tampa Racing Community Supports Charities

Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar, Fla., announced that donations totaling an estimated $27,000 from its horse racing community will benefit several local and national charities.

Calder Postpones Weekend Stakes

Calder Race Course announced the postponement of its two graded stakes scheduled for Dec. 5--the $100,000 Tropical Turf Handicap (gr. IIIT) and $100,000 My Charmer Handicap (gr. IIT)--due to a current quarantine of the stable area. There is no word on when the races will be rescheduled.

Calder Closed to Shippers

A horse previously stabled at Calder Race Course has tested positive for Equine Herpesvirus.

Tampa Bay and TROT Form Partnership

Tampa Bay Downs has announced its partnership with the Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa, a non-profit organization dedicated to the safe retirement, rehabilitation, and adoption of Tampa's racing Thoroughbreds.