Tapwrit Wins Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs

The $350,000 G2 Tampa Bay Derby took place Saturday, March 11 at Tampa Bay Downs in Tampa, Florida. Some of the best three year olds around were featured as they raced 1 1/16 miles on Tampa Bay's dirt track for not only the winner's share of the purse but also the 50-20-10-5 points awarded toward Kentucky Derby qualifying for the first through fourth place finishers. As expected it was even-money favorite Tapwrit that emerged victorious in the race that was absent unbeaten McCracken He won by an eye-opening 4 1/2 lengths in stakes-record fashion. Pacesetter State of Honor finished second at 9-1 odds in the field of 10 with 5-1 third choice Wild Shot getting in for third. No Dozing was fourth while 9-2 second betting choice Beasley, Basha, Tale of Silence, Sonic Mule, Zion Valley and The Money Monster completed the order of finish.