Wednesday wagers: Picks for 5 races at Tampa Bay Downs

We’re in for beautiful weather at Tampa Bay Downs on Wednesday, and the nine-race card features beatable favorites. Let’s dive into my five favorite wagering events on the program.

Best bet: Thingamabob, race 7

Best value bet: Political Riot, race 4

Race 1

No. 5 Oscar Gaze (7-5, morning-line favorite) exits sharp back-to-back efforts vs. similar here. If she can save ground while rallying late, she’ll be tough to beat. No. 1 Smooth Justice (5-1) won three of her last four races in the Midwest, albeit vs. slightly softer. No. 7 Top Look (3-1) was a game second at this level three back.

How I’d bet it (based on a $100 budget): $8 exacta 5/1,7, $4 win 1

Race 3

No. 3 Keep On Rockin (3-1) has been in the money in four straight and gets Samuel Marin back in the saddle. No. 9 Sonadora Girl (7-5, morning-line favorite) has won two of her last four starts with impressive speed figures, but consistency has proved elusive. No. 6 Duneen Bay (12-1) cuts back to the distance of her solid win from two starts ago.

How I’d bet it: $10 exacta box 3/9

Race 4

No. 6 Political Riot (8-1) is best equipped to spring the upset in this one based on his three-back victory. He had a tough trip two back and caught what looked like a tough field for this level last time out. No. 9 Hari (9-5, morning-line favorite) is a logical alternative based on strong back-to-back speed figures and a drop in class. No. 8 Court Contender (3-1) downgrades in terms of human connections in this spot after getting caught in the lane vs. slightly classier when last seen.

How I’d bet it: $8 win 6, $4 exacta box 6/9, $4 exacta 9/8

Race 7

No. 4 Thingamabob (9-5, morning-line favorite) closed with interest on debut, then took a major step forward next time out and nearly held off a next-out winner for the maiden diploma. A jump into open maiden company last time out was ill-advised, but Thingamabob should graduate vs. claimers here. No. 7 Treble Maker (6-1) goes first time out for Gary Contessa (11 percent) and flashes a strong four-furlong work ahead of this. Sire Outwork wins with 14 percent of debut turfers. No. 8 S J B Express (5-2) has hit the board in two straight vs. similar and is backed by meet-leading trainer Kathleen O’Connell.

How I’d bet it: $10 exacta 4/7,8

Race 8

No. 1 Venezuelan Triumph (5-2) has two wins at the meet already and had legitimate excuses in two non-winning efforts, finishing third in a roughly run race and fourth vs. much tougher. Respect anything that Juan Avila sends out. No. 8 Style Me Royal (9-5, morning-line favorite) cruised when last seen at this level at Delaware but faced only four rivals that day. Wins have been tough to come by for this son of Palace Malice, so don’t settle for a short price. No. 2 Lead Off (4-1) has hit the trifecta in five of his last six races.

How I’d bet it: $10 exacta box 1/8

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