Results of the 2026 Suncoast Stakes

Exotic Payouts:

• $1.00 Exacta (3-5): $1.70
• $0.50 Trifecta (3-5-4): $2.00
• $0.10 Superfecta (3-5-4-6): $2.82

Watch the 2026 Suncoast Stakes

History of the Suncoast Stakes

The Suncoast Stakes has been part of the Tampa Bay Downs stakes program for decades, gradually evolving into a more prominent race for three year old fillies. While its modern role within the Road to the Kentucky Oaks dates to the late 2010s, the race itself has deeper roots at the track as a regional stakes event. Over time, it has benefited from broader growth at Tampa Bay Downs, which has expanded its stakes offerings and national profile since the 1980s.

Originally run under varying conditions and distances, the Suncoast Stakes has settled into its current form as a one-mile dirt race for sophomore fillies. Its placement early in the calendar allows trainers to test developing runners before moving on to more demanding races later in the spring. As Tampa Bay Downs strengthened its position within the national racing circuit, the Suncoast became an increasingly attractive option for connections seeking an alternative to the deeper fields at Gulfstream Park and other major venues.

A major turning point came when the race was incorporated into the Kentucky Oaks points system, significantly increasing its visibility and importance. This change helped elevate the quality of its fields and tied the race more directly to the national championship picture. The Suncoast now serves as an early indicator of emerging talent, particularly for fillies that may progress to longer races such as the Davona Dale Stakes or Gulfstream Park Oaks.

The race has produced several notable winners, most prominently Monomoy Girl, who captured the Suncoast before going on to win the Kentucky Oaks and multiple Eclipse Awards. Her success helped solidify the race’s reputation as a legitimate launching pad for top-class fillies. Today, the Suncoast Stakes continues to play an important role in the early stages of the three year old filly division, offering fans and bettors a valuable first look at potential contenders on the path to Churchill Downs

2017-Present Results of the Suncoast Stakes