X Y Jet looms in Tampa Bay Downs' Pelican Stakes

Outstanding sprinters of both sexes highlight Saturday’s Thoroughbred action at Tampa Bay Downs, with the $100,000 Pelican Stakes for males and the $50,000 Minaret Stakes for fillies and mares, both at a distance of 6 furlongs, on tap. The 11-race card begins at 12:44 p.m.

The 34^th edition of the Pelican has attracted a field of nine, headed by 6-year-old Florida-bred gelding X Y Jet. In his most recent start on Jan. 20, the Jorge Navarro-trained speedster won the Sunshine Millions Sprint Stakes at Gulfstream by five-and-a-half lengths. In December, X Y Jet won the Grade III Mr. Prospector at Gulfstream in gate-to-wire fashion, getting the 6-furlong distance in 1:09.45.

X Y Jet, who will be ridden by his regular pilot, Emisael Jaramillo, is 8-for-19 in his career with earnings of $920,813.

Likely top challengers include Recruiting Ready, a multiple stakes-winning 4-year-old from the barn of Horacio DePaz; 6-year-old gelding First Growth, trained by Odin Londono, Jr.; and 5-year-old gelding Jaguar Poz, second in the Turf Dash here on Dec. 30, trained by Ron G. Potts.

The Pelican will be contested as the eighth race.

The Minaret, which is the 10^th race, has drawn a field of 11 fillies and mares. Heading the lineup is 4-year-old Florida-bred R Angel Katelyn, who won three stakes at Tampa Bay Downs last season: the Sandpiper, the Gasparilla and the Florida Cup Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Fillies.

Antonio Gallardo is slated to ride R Angel Katelyn for trainer Gerald Bennett.

Expected challengers include 4-year-old Florida-bred Stormy Embrace, from the barn of leading Oldsmar trainer Kathleen O’Connell; Just Be Kind, a 4-year-old owned and trained by Reade Baker; and sprint specialist Grand Prix, conditioned by Keith Nations.