Takeaways from 2023 Sam F. Davis

Feb 14, 2023 James Scully/TwinSpires.com

The first of two qualifiers at Tampa Bay Downs, the Feb. 11 Sam
F. Davis (G3) offered points on a 20-8-6-4-2 scale as part of the Road to
the Kentucky Derby series, and the top four finishers made their stakes
debut in the 1 1/16-mile race.

1. Litigate
easily best

Litigate rallied
from midpack to strike the front in upper stretch, and the bay colt drew clear by
a 1 1/4-length margin under the wire. Bred for longer
distances, the son of 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Blame broke his
maiden at 6 1/2 furlongs, and he improved upon a non-threatening finish
over a one-turn mile. Luis Saez picked up the mount for Litigate’s first
two-turn start in the Sam F. Davis.

Two-time Kentucky Derby winner Todd Pletcher trains the lightly raced colt, and Litigate established
himself as a promising prospect in the three-year-old ranks.

2. Low Speed
figure, non-productive prep

Litigate looked the part visually, but his Brisnet Speed rating (87) came back disappointing. That’s
the lowest winning number from the first eight qualifiers in 2023, and Litigate
must run faster next time to be considered a serious Kentucky Derby
contender.

The Sam F. Davis hasn’t been a predictor to success on the
first Saturday in May.

Pletcher has won a record seven editions, and his first winner,
Bluegrass Cat in 2006, is the only one to record a top-three finish in the Kentucky
Derby. Bluegrass Cat, second to Barbaro under the Twin Spires, is the only Sam
F. Davis winner to ever hit the board in the Kentucky Derby.

3. Dubyuhnell
deserves another chance

Dubyuhnell,
winner of December’s Remsen (G2) at Aqueduct, opened his three-year-old
campaign in the Sam Davis, but the 2-1 favorite was caught in tight quarters
and forced to check hard entering the first turn. The incident rattled the chestnut
colt, who raced up close from the start of the Remsen and was being hustled for
good tactical positioning when hampered, and Dubyuhnell never got back on track
after being stopped and wound up eighth.

Look for more from Dubyuhnell next time.