BetAmerica’s horse racing pick of the day: April 22, Tampa Bay

Weekday picks and plays for Thoroughbred racing.

Wednesday, April 22

Tampa Bay Downs, Race 7: Maiden special weight (7 furlongs, 3:30 p.m. ET)

Trainer Shug McGaughey has been on fire with his infrequent shippers to Tampa Bay Downs this winter. He is 3-for-10, and of the seven non-winners, three have hit the board. McGaughey can keep his success going Wednesday, with #5 Creed (5-2 on the morning line), a $650,000 yearling purchase set to make his debut.

A 3-year-old son of Honor Code, out of the Seeking the Gold mare Aspiring, Creed is a half-brother to the stakes-placed fillies Sweet Legacy and Sweet Success.

Creed’s work tab isn’t eye-catching at first glance, but McGaughey is 2-for-9 with first-time starters this year, and his two winners (Finding Fame and Top Seed) brought similar work patterns to their successful sprint debuts.

Tampa’s leading jockey, Antonio Gallardo, has the mount, and he is 2-for-5 when he teams up with McGaughey during the last two months.

Since none of the experienced runners in this 7-furlong dash have reached the par winning Brisnet Speed rating for this class level and distance (87), we’ll take a shot betting Creed to win.

$20 to win on #5 Creed

Good luck!