Wednesday wagers: Dark and Fitzy stands out at Tampa

Let’s go over my five favorite races on Wednesday’s nine-race program at Tampa Bay Downs.

Best bet: Dark and Fitzy (race 5)

Best value bet: Misty Gale (race 9)

No. 6 Roger McQueen (2-1, morning-line favorite) was third at this level at Gulfstream when last seen and invades for a dangerous shipping barn in Larry Rivelli (30 percent). No. 5 Caminero (5-2) was less than a length behind the top choice in that aforementioned Gulfstream heat – logical alternative. No. 1 Bode by You (5-1) was in too tough when last seen but was a narrowly beaten second in his last try against conditional claimers.

How I’d bet it (based on a $100 budget): $10 exacta 6/5, $4 exacta 6/1, $4 exacta 5/6, $2 exacta 5/1

Race 4

No. 6 Duke Skywalker (5-2, morning-line favorite) was a runaway winner in his first try over this course before biting off more than he could chew last time out. The race favorite faces pace rivals, but he shouldn’t get cooked in a speed duel like he did two months ago. No. 8 Money Song (7-2) loses Angel Arroyo for the top choice, but lands Carlos Rojas (20 percent) instead. The 1/16-mile cutback should help. No. 4 Lil Annie Rose (9-2) nearly wired slightly lesser foes when last seen. She gets eight to 15 pounds from her male rivals under apprentice Lucky Mbatha.

How I’d bet it: $10 exacta 6/8, $4 exacta 6/4, $4 exacta 8/6, $2 exacta 8/4

Race 5

No. 6 Dark and Fitzy (9-5, morning-line favorite) nearly took maiden special weights gate-to-wire off an 11-month layoff last time out – short price looms on this class-dropper. No. 2 Ambushed (9-2) was gaining late as a runner-up at this level last month – the extra 1/16-mile may aid his closing kick. No. 9 Mintenon (9-2) was well beaten by the top choice in his most recent try but looms over the rest from a class perspective.

How I’d bet it: $10 exacta 6/2,9

Race 7

No. 8 Pivotal Run (7-2, morning-line favorite) was gaining late but had to settle for second in a similar spot last month. He got a fast pace to chase that day but should do so again on Wednesday, and he boasts a slight speed-figure edge. No. 7 Shimmering Leroid (8-1) gets a meaningful rider upgrade to Jose Ferrer (17 percent), which may signal intent from this barn after numerous tries at this level and only minor awards to show for it. No. 1 Hereby (4-1) should save ground from the rail post while stepping up off a sharp maiden score.

How I’d bet it: $8 exacta 8/1,7, $4 win 7

Race 9

No. 6 Misty Gale (15-1) tired a bit going longer in her turf debut but cuts back to a mile here. She also gets a positive rider switch to Rojas, and adds blinkers – lots to like at long odds in the nightcap. No. 5 Water Witch (9-2) picked off tired ones going longer when last seen – the cutback may serve to sharpen her closing kick, and the speed figures put her squarely in the hunt. No. 2 Blue Neith (2-1, morning-line favorite) is 1-for-17 and faces some legit pace rivals in this heat – not what you really want in a short-priced favorite, but she’s tough to leave out entirely on speed figures.

How I’d bet it: $2 exacta box 2/5/6, $8 win 6

Robert Criscola is a free-lance handicapper based in New York.