Kentucky Derby Trail Reaches Key Turn at Tampa Bay Downs

As the event is drawing near, the 2025 Kentucky Derby is now moving into a vital phase of its road to the ceremonious race. With the Derby Prep season taking a short breather now, an important event is all set to take place at Grade 3 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Scheduled for Saturday, this is also meant to be the final points prep race before the Derby for the undefeated colt, Poster. Historical significance ushers the Sam F. Davis Stakes into the heart of the Kentucky Derby journey; sure to showcase the majesty and excitement to come.

In October 2023, training data cut-off for the subject matter. This year marks the 45th running of the Sam F. Davis Stakes, named after the late shipping magnate who managed Tampa Bay Downs in the 1970s. It has a storied past and is often a strong target for many Kentucky Derby contenders; however, it remains one of the few main prep races that have yet to yield a Derby winner. Nevertheless, the event has generally foreshadowed future successes, with past runners going on to earn significant wins at the other revered tracks.

Probably due to the 44 years of being a testing ground for new talent, the Sam F. Davis Stakes not only serve the purpose of awarding 3-year-old horses with useful Derby points but also earn a place in setting a horse’s entry for the Derby this time around, which will be held on May 3, 2025. There are high stakes involved, and the Sam F. Davis Stakes is often the launching pad set for many horses showing the potential of going great heights.

This year, all eyes are on Poster, the undefeated colt who is expected to be a favorite in the Sam F. Davis Stakes. With an unblemished record leading up to the race, Poster has already impressed with dominant performances in previous outings. Trained by a respected figure in the industry, the horse racing’s connections are hopeful that this race will continue to propel him along the path toward the Kentucky Derby.

Poster has secured a reputation as one of the more talked-about colts on the Derby Trial because of his perfect record. Experts and fans have equally praised him for his speed, stamina, and bravery on the track. Another strong performance in the Sam F. Davis Stakes will confirm him as a chief contender going into the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

Although the Sam F. Davis Stakes has not produced a Kentucky Derby winner to date, it has served as the starting point for many horses that found success in other premier races. Take the case of Tapwrit, who ran second in the 2017 Sam F. Davis and then won the Belmont. Tapwrit’s Belmont victory showed grit and talent, both of which first presented themselves in a commendable performance in Sam F. Davis.

In the same vein, Knicks Go, fifth in the 2019 Sam F. Davis Stakes, emerged Horse of the Year in 2021 after a brilliant career. From Tampa Bay Downs to a sporting apex, Knicks Go’s trajectory surely reveals the uncertain course of horse racing. Though it is yet to present a Kentucky Derby winner, the Sam F. Davis Stakes has shown time and again that greatness can be achieved after racing through its ranks.

As the Derby prep season continues, the Sam F. Davis Stakes carries added importance. With this race marking the last U.S. prep before the “virtual win-and-you’re-in” races begin, the points earned here could be crucial for horses aiming for a spot in the Kentucky Derby. Starting next week, the competition heats up, and horses who perform well in the Sam F. Davis will be well-positioned for success in the remaining prep races.

This year, the Kentucky Derby trail heats up as an important transition on that journey is the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs. With an undefeated star like Poster leading the way, the 2025 rendition of the race should be quite spectacular. While the race itself has never produced a Derby winner, a long history and a worthy caliber of horses mean it is an essential preparation season. Looking ahead to the closing rounds of points prep races, the Sam F. Davis Stakes augurs some excitement for the Derby.