ELEVEN FILLIES AND MARES SCHEDULED FOR MANATEE STAKES
OLDSMAR, Fla (February 2, 2007) The 23rd renewal of The Manatee Stakes, a $60,000 test over seven furlongs, will rekindle some old rivalries as well as bring some new players into the Tampa Bay Downs stakes pool. The Kirk Zaidie-trained Rgirldoesn’tbluff and conditioner Michael Zwiesler’s Summer Cruise will rehash their battle fought in this year’s Minaret Stakes in which Summer Cruise nipped Rgirldoesn’tbluff at the wire for the win. Michael Zwiesler says of his filly, “She will like the added distance,” but added, “it’s a tough race, with Kirk (Zaidie) and Manny (Criollo)’s horses.”
Summer Cruise might have an advantage as she breaks from the second position, whereas Rgirldoesn’tbluff might have to use all of the backstretch to gain her favored front-running style from the eleventh post position. Rgirldoesn’tbuff, however, has an affinity for the off track and may have an advantage if inclement weather continues.
Added into the mix is Calder invader Running Lass, who is coming off of a third-place finish in the Grade III Stage Door Betty which she lost to Florida-bred standout Take D’Tour. Manuel Criollo’s Gadolinium will be stepping up for her first career stakes debut from two consecutive victories in allowance races here; she has finished out of the money only once in her life and looks to be tough with the nation’s leading rider by wins, Daniel Centeno, in the irons. Both of these fillies can handle an off-track as well as a fast surface.
Tampa Bay Downs will offer Rolling Back the Prices tomorrow with $1 beer, soda and Nathan’s Hot Dogs at concession stands from noon to three. Gates will open at 11:00 AM and the first race will run at approximately 12:25 PM. The Silks Card Room will open at noon and poker tournaments will continue through midnight.
Saturday will also feature Morning Glory at 10:00 AM in the lower Grandstand. This week track announcer Richard Grunder will host recently named Jockey of the Month Carlos Montalvo. Admission is free and there are always complimentary coffee and donuts, as well as free grandstand re-admission to the track for that afternoon.