TRIPLE CROWN HOPEFULS GET STARTED AT TAMPA

Tampa Bay Downs has been an important venue for Triple Crown runners in recent years, and 2012 should be no exception. Sophomores get their first graded test here on Saturday, in the $200,000 Sam F. Davis S. (G3). State of Play, winner of the With Anticipation S. (G2) as a juvenile, will try the dirt for the initial time in this spot for trainer Graham Motion. The talented colt had a wide trip on the lawn at Churchill in November and has trained well leading up to this event.

His likely foes will include Pasco S. hero Prospective, Gulfstream Park Derby star Reveron and Neck N Neck, a sharp allowance at Gulfstream Park last time for trainer Ian Wilkes.

The other two stakes to be held at Tampa on Saturday are the $150,000 Endeavour S. (G3) and the $100,000 Florida Oaks.