The $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs is a key early race on the 2026 Kentucky Derby qualifying trail, offering 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 has earned Derby points despite still being a maiden, and Dr. Kapur, expected to set the early pace but faded in a previous Derby prep race. Other notable contenders include stakes winner Wayne’s Law and promising runners like Confessional and Epic Desire.
The race is set for 1 1/16 miles and will close out an 11-race card with a 5:30 p.m. EST post time. The pace is projected to be neutral, with Dr. Kapur likely leading early. Trainer Todd Pletcher, a multiple-time Sam F. Davis winner, has two entries, including Renegade, who finished second in the Remsen Stakes and is favored to perform well. The race serves as a crucial stepping stone for 3-year-olds aiming to secure points and momentum on the road to the Kentucky Derby.
