
Tampa Bay Derby History: The Lure of the Triple Crown
- Updated: March 6, 2024
Tampa Bay Derby History: A Brief Overview
The Tampa Bay Derby is a Grade 2 stakes race held annually at Tampa Bay Downs in Florida. It serves as a crucial stepping stone for three-year-old thoroughbreds aiming for the Triple Crown races. Here’s a glimpse of the Tampa Bay Derby History and some notable past winners:
- Inception:
- The Tampa Bay Derby was first run in 1981 at Tampa Bay Downs in Florida.
- It quickly gained prominence as a key prep race for three-year-olds aiming for the Triple Crown events: the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.
- Grade 2 Status:
- The race holds a Grade 2 classification, signifying its significance in the racing calendar.
- Its distance is 1 1/16 miles (approximately 8.5 furlongs).
- Road to the Kentucky Derby:
- The Tampa Bay Derby serves as an important stepping stone on the Derby trail.
- Horses that perform well here often continue their journey to the Kentucky Derby.
Notable Winners with success in the Triple Crown Series
- 2007: Street Sense
- Tampa Bay Derby Winner: Street Sense claimed victory in the 2007 Tampa Bay Derby.
- Kentucky Derby Triumph: Street Sense went on to win the Kentucky Derby, becoming the first Tampa Bay Derby winner to achieve this feat. Source: Horseracingnation.com
- 2010: Super Saver
- Tampa Bay Derby Performance: Super Saver finished third in the 2010 Tampa Bay Derby.
- Kentucky Derby Victory: Despite his third-place finish in Tampa, Super Saver clinched the Kentucky Derby title later that year. Source: Horseracingnation.com
- 2017: Tapwrit
- Tampa Bay Derby Glory: Tapwrit secured victory in the 2017 Tampa Bay Derby.
- Belmont Stakes Win: Tapwrit continued his success by winning the Belmont Stakes in the same year. Source: Horseracingnation.com
Other Notable Winners
Additional Tampa Bay Derby champions and their subsequent performances:
- Tacitus (2019): Tacitus won the 2019 Tampa Bay Derby and went on to compete in the Kentucky Derby.
- Quip (2018): Quip, the 2018 Tampa Bay Derby winner, also participated in the Kentucky Derby.
- Helium (2021): Helium triumphed in the 2021 Tampa Bay Derby, making his mark on the Derby trail.
The Road to the Kentucky Derby
The Tampa Bay Derby has consistently produced contenders who make their way to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby. Whether they win or place, these horses prove their mettle on the path to racing immortality.
In summary, the Tampa Bay Derby serves as a pivotal race, shaping the destiny of young thoroughbreds as they chase the elusive Triple Crown dream. Keep an eye on the winners—it’s often a sign of greatness to come!