Sam F Davis Stakes Picks, Odds & Preview (Feb 7)
Before the full attention turns to the Super Bowl betting odds, there will be important action on the Road to the Kentucky Derby on Feb 7. Find the odds and our picks for the Sam F Davis Stakes here.
Sam F Davis Stakes: How to Watch
- When: Saturday, February 7, 2026 @ 5:30 PM ET
- Where: Tampa Bay Downs, Florida Â
- How to Watch: FanDuel TV
Sam F Davis Stakes: Race Information & Records
| Stat | Information |
|---|---|
| Race Distance | 1 1/16 Miles |
| Most Successful Trainer | Todd Pletcher (7) |
| Most Successful Jockey | John Velazquez (4) |
| Purse | $250,000 |
| Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points | 20-10-6-4-2 |
Sam F Davis Stakes Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Renegade | +187 |
| Confessional | +225 |
| The Puma | +800 |
| Dr. Kapur | +900 |
| Epic Desire | +900 |
| Ocelli | +1200 |
| Other Selections | +1400 & Bigger |
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Sam F Davis Stakes: Recent Winners
| Year | Winning Horse | Winning Jockey | Winning Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | John Hancock | Flavien Prat | Brad Cox |
| 2024 | No More Time | Paco Lopez | Jose D’Angelo |
| 2023 | Litigate | Luis Saez | Todd Pletcher |
| 2022 | Classic Causeway | Irad Ortiz | Brian Lynch |
Race Preview
One of the most informative early season Kentucky Derby preps could be set for Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday, as the prep ahead of the lucrative Tampa Bay Derby is staged. Seven previous horses have completed the double, while Todd Pletcher holds the record for the most wins the in the Sam F Davis Stakes.
Renegade represents the Pletcher stable this weekend. The three-year-old is yet to win in three starts under rules, but positives could have been taken from his second in the G2 Remsen Stakes last time. However, back-to-back runner-up finishes is somewhat of a concern.
Brad Cox’s Confessional appears to be the main danger according to the odds available. The three-year-old was an excellent winner on debut, setting an Equibase rating of 97. However, was just below that level on his return effort at Gulfstream Park.
The Puma is the contender from the Gustavo Delgado yard on Saturday. However, the three-year-old is yet to win under rules, having finished second on debut at Gulfstream last month. Well-bred and should be an interesting chance.
Dr. Kapur was well beaten on his latest start, finishing sixth in the G2 Jockey Club at Churchill Downs. Could be forgiven, but a huge turnaround in form will be required on Saturday.
Sam F Davis Stakes Picks
I think the favorite is hard to trust this weekend, meaning that Confessional is the play. The Cox-trained runner has winning experience under rules, and positives could have been taken from his return effort. Likely needed that run for fitness, and should produce a better display at Tampa Bay Downs this weekend.
Free Pick:
