Renegade's Triumph in the Sam F. Davis Stakes: A Kentucky Derby Contender
In a thrilling display of equine prowess, Renegade emerged victorious in the 46th running of the $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. With a commanding 3 3/4-length lead, the 6-5 favorite claimed the prestigious race, earning 20 Kentucky Derby qualifying points. This triumph marks a significant milestone for the horse, who entered the race as a maiden after a disqualification from a first-place finish last October at Belmont Park.
Renegade, a son of Into Mischief and out of the renowned Curlin mare Spice Is Nice, was trained by the renowned Todd Pletcher for Repole Stable and breeders Robert and Lawana Low. His victory in the 1 1/16-mile race, completed in 1:43.54 on a fast main track, was his first official win in four career starts. The first-place finish, earning $120,000, boosted his career earnings to an impressive $199,000.
Owner Mike Repole expressed his excitement, acknowledging the race's challenges. "It wasn't an easy race," he said, "but he got a nice pace up front. Irad [Ortiz] knew he had the best horse, and sometimes being wide and avoiding traffic is preferable to being caught in it. Todd has done an excellent job, and we believe he can improve with age and distance."
Irad Ortiz Jr., who rode four winners on the card, including the Suncoast Stakes winner Zany, strategically positioned Renegade near the rear of the field early on. This move proved to be a masterstroke, as he unleashed a powerful move on the turn for home, showcasing his exceptional skill. Ortiz's confidence in Renegade's abilities was evident as he stated, "I really felt like he was going to win coming home, and when I asked him, he came on strong."
Trainer Todd Pletcher shared his high hopes for Renegade's 3-year-old campaign, praising his performance. "I was pleased with his race," Pletcher said, "especially considering he got shuffled back and was far back on a track that favored horses up close. He had to make a wide move, but he leveled off and finished strongly. It was a perfect start to his 3-year-old season."
The race began with an unexpected twist as the 48-1 long shot Wayne's Law, the lone Florida-bred in the field, took the lead at the top of the stretch under Tampa Bay Downs jockey Marcos Meneses. Meneses, confident in his horse's abilities, stated, "He was doing it so easily and was relaxed, so I felt comfortable. I thought he had it."
However, Renegade had other plans. As Meneses described, "He passed me like a monster in the stretch. I knew I had horse left, but not like him."
The Puma, making his second career start, finished third, and Game for It ran fourth, showcasing the competitive nature of the race. Renegade's victory not only solidifies his place in the Kentucky Derby qualifying points but also sets the stage for an exciting future in horse racing.
