Longshot of the Day: Race 7 at Tampa Bay Downs

Track: Tampa Bay Downs

Race 7: $16K maiden claimer going 1 1/8 miles on turf for 4+ fillies and mares

Post Time: 3:45 PM ET

Horse: #1 She’s That Girl (12/1 morning line). Use as a win bet at 8/1 or higher.

As I sit in my apartment at Rockaway Beach listening to the wind howl while my phone informs me that it feels like 3 degrees, I figure at least in my mind I’ll go down to Florida for my longshot of the day at Tampa Bay Downs. She’s That Girl offers some things to like in a race where I do not necessarily want to take a short price on the favorites. The morning line favorite, #8 Float On By (5/2), is taking the class drop, but did not run a lick in debut, though she is getting the blinkers this time. It’s possible that perks her up for a trainer (Delacour) who I respect, but hesitant at a short price. Meanwhile, #7 Harmony Abarrio (7/2) is stepping up slightly in purse money, but is trying turf for the first time after running his career starts on the Tapeta at Gulfstream Park. Finally, #12 Sognare (4/1) is a Kitten’s Joy offspring who is trained by Christophe Clement and finds herself in a $16K maiden claimer, so that does not scream confidence.

As for She’s That Girl, Wednesday will only be her fifth career start, which puts her in good company as you rarely want to pick a horse that has had 10+ cracks at the apple at the same level and has yet to score a victory. Her last two starts on turf are deceivingly good. The start two back she pressed the early pace before fading to third at this level over the turf course at Tampa Bay Downs. Then she went to the bench for the better part of nine months before returning in late December at this level over the Tampa turf course. She stalked the pace this time around and made a wide move before leveling off. It was a good effort considering the long layoff and today she is second back and should be sharper or be able to sustain her bid coming for home. It was also promising to see her tun the same Bayer Speed Figure (45) in return that she had earned nine months previously. Running a comparable figure off the bench typically means you can expect another step forward in their second start. The daughter of Cloud Computing might not scream turf pedigree, but there is a bit more on the female side. She should get a good inside trip saving ground while in a pocket position. If you’re looking for a bomb, maybe #4 No Dough No Go (30/1) is worth a shot. She is the full sibling to Sniper Kitten who was a seven-time turf winner and is bred up and down to be on the grass. Trainer Eric Read is still on the schneid at Tampa Bay Downs but might make the right move getting this one on the green stuff.