Wednesday wagers: Rose Collector can roll late at Tampa

An intriguing nine-race card is on tap for a gorgeous day at Tampa Bay Downs on Wednesday. Let’s take a look at my five favorite races on the program.

Best bet: Rose Collector, race 9

Best value bet: She’s a Joy, race 2

Race 2

No. 1 She’s a Joy (6-1) enters this race in poor form, but she also hasn’t been on fast dirt in a while. She’s a Joy is also getting back to the barn of trainer Arthur Agostini, with whom she won her most recent start over this course back in April. No. 7 Lady Quinn (5-2, morning-line favorite) was a runaway winner in her most recent start, albeit over slightly softer competition. No. 5 Viking Queen (7-2) is a routing closer cutting back to seven furlongs, which is always dangerous, and Samy Camacho (21 percent) climbs aboard.

How I’d bet it, based on a $100 budget: $10 win/place 1

Race 3

No. 7 Bold Baby (8-5, morning-line favorite) was a game second two back before breaking through the gate and tiring late here last time out. This daughter of Connect gets class relief and Camacho, making her the clear-cut selection. No. 5 St. Joe Jet (9-2) was a respectable second in a similar spot when last seen, her first try vs. winners to date. No. 3 Crystal Reign (12-1) moves up off a convincing maiden score.

How I’d bet it: $10 exacta 7/3,5

Race 5

No. 2 Western Run (7-5, morning-line favorite) finished with some interest at first asking vs. presumably much tougher at Belmont. Trainer Shug McGaughey has picked his spots well at Tampa so far (4: 2-0-1), and Samuel Marin (22 percent) gets the mount. No. 4 Chicago Theatre (6-1) is a 4-year-old firster and a half to a former stakes winner on grass showing some promising works for Bethany Baumgardner, who has two wins in as many starts at the meet. No. 8 Sebastianthe First (9-2) will take them as far as he can.

How I’d bet it: $10 exacta 2/4,8

Race 8

No. 1 American Direction (4-1) hinted at talent on turf at first asking at 86-1, and he might have won but for a bad break. The pedigree does not preclude him from handling the dirt and Lasix added could help too. No. 2 John Hancock (2-1, morning-line favorite) is a rare Tampa starter for Brad Cox, who names Camacho to ride. The pedigree that led to the clever name is a solid one and the morning works are encouraging. No. 7 Mr. Sweets (10-1) lures Jose Ferrer (23 percent) for his debut, and although there’s a gap in the works, the drills are solid.

How I’d bet it: $10 win 1, $5 exacta box 1/2

Race 9

No. 9 Rose Collector (3-1, morning-line favorite) is the fastest on speed figures, drops in class, and should get a very favorable pace setup. Expect him to explode down the stretch to score in the nightcap. No. 7 Peace Not War (6-1) took his turf debut here when last seen vs. slightly lesser; look for him late as well. No. 8 Point Liam (5-1) could pick up the pieces as a sprinting closer stretching out.

How I’d bet it: $10 exacta 9/7,8

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