Pick 3 play at Tampa Bay on Wed., March 25

Horse racing is about the only sport going presently, and an eight-race program at Tampa Bay Downs awaits TwinSpires.com players on Wednesday.

I am keen on a filly in the 3^rd race, a $40,000 maiden claiming affair at 6-furlongs.

#7 Stack Shack took some betting action but lost all chance at the start of her career debut earlier this month, dropping 10+ lengths behind a few strides out of the gate. She clearly needed racing experience, refusing to advance inside a rival and losing momentum entering the far turn, and appeared to have no shot for a top 3 finish before getting her act together in the stretch.

The heavy favorite was long gone, running off to a 12-length score, and Stack Shack leveled off with a sharp rally past her remaining rivals to get up for second. She received an excellent 86 Brisnet Late Pace rating, and her 65 Speed figure stacks up well in this spot.

Anthony Granitz does his best work with horses making their second start, winning at a 29% rate (+2.43 ROI) from a 49-race sample, and three speed types are drawn to the inside of Stack Shack, who is eligible to receive an ideal outside stalking trip before striking.

Stack Shack is listed as the 4-1 third choice on the betting line. I will make a win bet if her price doesn’t drop too far, and key her in a Pick 3 part-wheel on races 3-5.

My thoughts on the next two legs of the Pick 3 sequence are below.

Race 4:

An abundance of speed is present in the seven-horse, $25,000 claiming affair at a mile on turf. My Cowboy will show speed from the rail, Bunster can bring it from post 4, and #3 Last Promise has been on the engine in his last four outings.

Last Promise will add blinkers and go turf-to-dirt in good form, registering a 94 Speed rating for an 11-length romp two starts back. However, he did win a couple of starts earlier this winter utilizing stalk-and-pounce tactics, and rallied well from off the pace to be third on the Tampa turf last year. The gelding is eligible to sit close and get first run on the closers.

#5 Astute Warrior should receive the right setup if ready to go off the lengthy layoff, and #6 The Curt Fox is fit and displayed a good late kick last fall.

Race 5:

#6 My Boy Lenny will be tough on the front end in his third start off the layoff. Claimed from a 6 1/4-length win, the gelding will be short odds for new trainer Darien Rodriguez (38% first off the claim).

I will also use #7 General Paddy, who steps up in class in good form after registering career-best 94 Speed and 110 Late Pace ratings last out.

$5 Pick 3 Wager (races 3-5)

I am playing for a $5 denomination, but the following ticket costs only $3 for 50-cents.

7 with 3,5,6 with 6,7

Total = $30

Good luck!