Suncoast Stakes 2024 | Tampa Bay Downs Picks [Kentucky Oaks]

Aaron previews the 2024 Suncoast Stakes from Tampa Bay Downs, then gives his top picks from this Kentucky Oaks (G1) prep race.

Can Life Talk build off of her impressive Demoiselle Stakes (G2) victory? Tell us YOUR thoughts in the Comments section!

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The press release:

The Suncoast Stakes, contested at a distance of a mile-and-40-yards, is a “Road to the Kentucky Oaks” points race, offering 20-10-6-4-2 points to the first five finishers as they attempt to secure a spot in the 3-year-old fillies classic on May 3 at Churchill.

Pletcher will send a daughter of Gun Runner, Life Talk, who is owned by Repole Stable.

It’s logical to assume this is a very serious talent, given that she has been ridden in all five career starts by superstar Irad Ortiz Jr., winner of five of the last six Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Jockey.

Life Talk did her part in creating buzz on Dec. 2, winning the Grade II, mile-and-an-eighth Demoiselle Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Aqueduct to improve to 2-for-5.

She was fourth in last year’s NetJets Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and third in the Grade I Frizette Stakes at the Belmont At The Big A meet.

Her 5 challengers in the Suncoast Stakes are:

• Stakes winner Power Squeeze, trained by Jorge Delgado
• Whocouldaskformo, trained by Shug McGaughey
• Conditioner Tim Hamm’s maiden winners America’s Vow & Managing Mischief
• Gorgeous Girl, trained by Greg Sacco