Lenny A Game Fifth

Lentenor finished fifth in a game race in the Tampa Bay Stakes on Saturday. The video is available here, if you scroll down to racing results and click on the Tampa Bay Stakes. There were lots of problems with the live feed from Tampa Bay Downs so I apologize for making you work to find a replay that does not require a subscription.

In any event, he broke beautifully from the far outside and made a bee line for the rail, settling in nicely in third position. In fact, he was perfectly positioned to make a move, as they came around the turn, but what happened is that horses who were farther back surged through openings in the middle, passing him. He was hand ridden the entire time, so I don't think he was spent, just got caught by a long shot who ended up winning.

Lentenor finished fifth out of twelve and I think it was respectable, but I would have loved to see that extra gear kick in down the stretch. I don't think he was outclassed in a stakes race (especially since the race was not won by a favorite!) but I do think it was a shame that the Allowance Race they wanted a few weeks ago did not fill and he was pretty much forced to race here since he needed the race. It was a big field to contend with after such a long lay-off.

I might see him try another Stakes or drop back to an Allowance, but don't be surprised if we don't see quite as along a lay-off. He showed grit here and everyone should be pleased.