Ocean Knight drives to victory in Sam F. Davis Stakes

Oldsmar, FL (SportsNetwork.com) – Ocean Knight, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., drove through the stretch on his way to victory in Saturday’s $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.

The 1 1/16-mile Davis Stakes is the final local prep for the $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby on March 7.

Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin for Stonestreet Stable, Ocean Knight was making just his second career start in the Davis after winning his debut effort in December. The colt broke from post 11 in the 12-horse field and stalked the leaders up the backstretch.

Ocean Knight, a son of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, went wide around the final turn and into the stretch to challenge 28-1 longshot Divining Rod for the lead. The 8-5 favorite drew even with Divining Rod at the 100-yard mark and was able to go on and post a neck victory.

“He is a very talented colt. We like him a lot,” McLaughlin said.

My Johnny Be Good, the 7-2 co-second pick, was third with 9-2 choice Ami’s Flatter fourth followed by 7-2 pick Catalina Red, Crittenden, Royal Son, Coomer, Bears Personality, Brother Bobo, Bandages and G Five.

The time for the Davis was 1:43.74 on a fast track.

Ocean Knight garnered $120,000 for the win and earned 10 points toward a place in the field for the 141st Kentucky Derby on May 2.

Ocean Knight returned $5.20, $3.60 and $3.00. Divining Rod paid $17.60 and $8.80, My Johnny Be Good paid $4.40 to show.

Categorized in: Horses