HorseRacingFLA Staff Report
The Tampa Bay Downs annual Live It Up Challenge enters its third day on Wednesday afternoon.
The handicapping contest requires each contestant to each day make a mythical $2 Win, Place, Show bet on a horse in one of two designated races at the Oldsmar track.
Prizes will be determined based on overall winnings through the contest’s end on April 2.
The contest is closed to entrants. But we are monitoring it to keep contestants and other readers informed on the standings and to provide handicapping insights.
There are 1,055 contestants—including our Tampa Bay handicapper Bob Bauer and our editor Jim Freer.
Through two days, both have bankrolls of $17.80 based on $12 in bets. They are among those tied for 163rd place in the standings.
If you are in the game, please note that you have until a minute before post time to make your bet.
Today’s two races are: 6th race: scheduled post 2:50 p.m. – 1 1/16 miles on turf, maiden 3-YO, claiming price $32,000, purse $16,200; the AEs, 11 to 14, are the only scratches.
7th race: scheduled post 3:19 p.m. – 7 furlongs on dirt, conditioned starter race for 4-YO and up, purse of $15,700; none of the eight entrants are scratched.
Conditions are fast and firm.
Bob and Jim are making separate mythical bets on today’s sixth race.
Bob is competing under the name rbauer16. His pick is Colfear, the 2 horse.
Jim is competing as HorseRacingFLA. His pick is El Cojo Paa, the nine horse, partly under Bob’s recommendation.