What is the Sam F. Davis Stakes?
The Sam F. Davis Stakes is a non-graded race for 3-year-old horses, typically run over 1 1/16 miles. It is considered an important stepping stone to other Triple Crown prep races.
When is the Sam F. Davis Stakes in 2026?
The 2026 Sam F. Davis Stakes will take place on February 7th, at Tampa Bay Downs. This race serves as a prep race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, making it a popular event in the online horse betting community.
Who are some notable winners of the Sam F. Davis Stakes?
Some older notable winners include Bluegrass Cat (2006) and Any Given Saturday (2007), both trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by top jockey John Velazquez. General Quarters (2009), another standout, went on to become a fan favorite for his underdog story. These horses paved the way for the race's current prestige, attracting interest from racing fans and bettors alike.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | John Hancock | Flavien Prat | Brad H. Cox | CHC, Inc. and WinStar Farm LLC | 1:35.61 |
| 2024 | No More Time | Paco Lopez | Jose D'Angelo | Morplay Racing | 1:43.26 |
| 2023 | Litigate | Luis Saez | Todd A. Pletcher | Centennial Farms | 1:44.83 |
| 2022 | Classic Causeway | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Brian A. Lynch | Kentucky West Racing & Clarke M. Cooper | 1:42.80 |
| 2021 | Candy Man Rocket | Junior Alvarado | William I. Mott | Frank Fletcher Racing Operations | 1:44.30 |
| 2020 | Sole Volante | Luca Panici | Patrick L. Biancone | Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Andie Biancone, & Limelight Stables | 1:42.60 |
Named after Sam F. Davis, a prominent figure in Tampa Bay Downs' history, the race has gained recognition as an important early step for horses on the Triple Crown trail. Many past winners of the Sam F. Davis Stakes have gone on to compete in other major races, and its relevance continues to grow as a measure of early-season three-year-old talent.
