Kentucky Derby Prep Races: Sam F. Davis Stakes Contenders

Share News

Kentucky Derby Prep Races Odds and News

Sam F. Davis Stakes 2025: Odds, Contenders, and Kentucky Derby Implications

The road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby continues this weekend at Tampa Bay Downs with the Grade 3, $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes. As one of the key Kentucky Derby Prep Races, the event offers 20-10-6-4-2 qualifying points to the top five finishers, making it a crucial stepping stone toward Churchill Downs.

With several talented contenders vying for Derby points, bettors closely monitor the Kentucky Derby odds and analyze how this race will impact the broader Kentucky Derby betting picture.

A competitive field of ten will take to the track for the 1 1/16-mile contest, with three horses already having experience on the Derby trail, including a past winner, a runner-up, and a fourth-place finisher. The race is scheduled as the 11th of 12 on the Tampa Bay Downs card, with post time set for 5:14 p.m. EST.

Field Breakdown and Contenders

Poster (5-2)

It is the top choice for Godolphin and trainer Eoin Harty. The undefeated colt is 3-for-3, including a hard-fought nose victory in the Remsen Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct in December. His wins on both turf and dirt showcase versatility, and despite initial plans to run in last weekend’s Withers Stakes, training delays due to Kentucky weather led to a pivot to this spot.

Owen Almighty (7-2)

He has already made waves on the Derby trail, finishing second in the Iroquois Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs before a controversial disqualification in the Pasco Stakes at Tampa. He initially crossed the wire first but was demoted to fifth due to interference, a decision that impacted multiple horses. With blinkers added, Owen Almighty looks to redeem himself and regain valuable Derby points.

Naughty Rascal (10-1)

He was awarded the Pasco victory following Owen Almighty’s disqualification, giving him four wins in six starts. The Florida-bred colt has been a consistent performer, with victories at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs, but he faces a significant test stretching out to two turns for the first time.

Treaty of Rome (4-1)

Trained by Chad Brown is another intriguing contender. After breaking his maiden in December, he nearly captured the Mucho Macho Man Stakes, finishing a neck behind the winner at 11-1 odds. His progression and ability to sit off the pace make him a decisive win candidate in this field.

John Hancock (5-1)

A Brad Cox trainee enters off a dominant debut win at Tampa Bay Downs, where he broke slowly but quickly recovered to win by three lengths. The WinStar Farm homebred, now co-owned by China Horse Club and Siena Farm, will garner plenty of betting interest as he steps up in class.

Dr Ruben M (15-1)

Is another horse with prior Derby trail experience, having finished fourth in the Remington Springboard Mile. Trained by Doug O’Neill, he will need a step forward to contend against this field.

Camp Hale (15-1)

It is still a maiden and has three runner-up finishes against the formidable company, including races against Patch Adams (fourth in the Southwest Stakes) and Guns Loaded (winner of the Mucho Macho Man). His ability to handle this competition will determine his future in the Kentucky Derby preps race.

Smoken Boy (20-1), Very Bold (20-1), and Gateskeeper (20-1) round out the field as longshots, each looking for their breakthrough performances at this level.