The $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs is a key early race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby 2026, offering qualifying points to the top five finishers. The field of nine includes two horses with prior Derby trail experience: Renegade, the top pick trained by Todd Pletcher, who earned points with a second-place finish in the Remsen Stakes, and Dr. Kapur, who set the pace but faded in the Kentucky Jockey Club. Other notable contenders include stakes winner Wayne’s Law and promising maiden winner Confessional.

The race is expected to have a neutral pace with Dr. Kapur likely to lead early. Renegade, despite still being a maiden due to a disqualification, has shown strong late rallying ability and is favored to win. The field also features several live long shots and horses still seeking their first victory, making the Sam F. Davis an intriguing early test for 3-year-olds aiming for the Kentucky Derby.