By Jarrod Horak
The Grade 3 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs was the most recent road to Kentucky Derby 2024 points race. In this article, I will look back at that race and update my “Exceptional 11” Kentucky Derby contenders. The next points race is the Grade 2 Risen Star at Fair Grounds on Saturday, Feb. 17, followed by the Grade 3 Sunland Derby on Feb 18.
Kentucky Derby 2024 Points Race Recaps
Sam F. Davis – Feb. 10 (Tampa Bay)
Fractions: 23.52, 46.61, 1:10.81, 1:36.59, 1:43.26
Top 5 Finishers: No More Time, Agate Road, West Saratoga, Elysian Meadows, Fulmineo
This did not seem like a strong Derby prep but time will tell. No More Time was able to get out there and control the pace. West Saratoga stalked the pace and made a bid for the lead, but No More Time turned him away and was clear at the wire by a length and a quarter. Surface switcher Agate Road was at the back of the pack for the opening half-mile, and he steadily advanced and rallied wide in the stretch in a clear runner-up finish. West Saratoga just held the show over late mover Elysian Meadows. Fulmineo finished an even 5th and picked up two Derby points.
