OLDSMAR, Fla. – The road to the 152nd Kentucky Derby officially runs through Tampa Bay, as a powerhouse contingent of horses that dominated the Oldsmar oval this winter prepares to headline the most prestigious weekend in American racing.
As Tampa Bay Downs celebrates its 100th anniversary season, the track has proven to be a premier launching pad, sending five starters and one also-eligible to the $5 million, Grade 1 Kentucky Derby field on Saturday, alongside several top contenders for Friday’s Kentucky Oaks.
Leading the charge is Renegade, the 4-1 morning line favorite for the Run for the Roses. Conditioned by Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher and ridden by five-time champion Irad Ortiz, Jr., the Into Mischief colt first flashed his brilliance on February 7 with a 3 ¾-length victory in the Sam F. Davis…