In recent years the event has become an important prep for the Triple Crown races. Three years ago Street Sense won the Tampa Bay Derby before capturing the Run for the Roses. Last year's race was won by Musket Man, who went on to win the Illinois Derby and finish third in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.
Schoolyard Dreams will be joined in the field by Uptowncharlybrown, third in the Sam F. Davis. Both colts will carry 116 pounds.
Trained by Derek Ryan, who also trains Musket Man, Schoolyard Dreams will start from post five with Jeremy Rose picking up the mount. The colt was runner-up to Rule in the Davis Stakes, beaten by three-lengths.
Schoolyard Dreams is owned by Eric Fein and Anthony Mitola, and has earned $81,560 in four starts with two wins.
Uptowncharlybrown will be ridden again by Daniel Centeno from the inside post on Saturday. The chestnut colt is owned by Fantasy Lane Stable with Alan Seewald the trainer.
In January of this year, Uptowncharlybrown won the Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay and then finished four-lengths behind Rule in the Davis. He began his career with two straight wins and has earned $60,200.
Making his first start of the year is Super Saver, who will carry 122 pounds in the race. Ramon Dominguez will ride the colt from post six.
Todd Pletcher trains the colt for WinStar Farm. Super Saver has won two of four career starts, including the $191,250 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes last November. He has earnings of $171,232.
Here is the complete field for the Tampa Bay Derby in post position order: Uptowncharlybrown, Daniel Centeno; Tuvia's Force, Jose Lezcano; Gleam of Hope, Willie Martinez; Slammy Boy, Victor Lebron; Schoolyard Dreams, Jeremy Rose; Super Saver, Ramon Dominguez and Odysseus, Rajiv Maragh.
Post-time for the Tampa Bay Derby is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. (et).
