Derby Hopeful Emmanuel Tries Two Turns at Tampa

In last week's second pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, Emmanuel  was bet down from his 50-1 morning line odds to close at 17-1, co-fifth choice among individual wagering interests.

On Jan. 30 at Tampa Bay Downs, his backers will get their first racing glimpse if such support is warranted, when the More Than Ready   colt leads a field of six in a first-level allowance optional claimer. He is the even-money favorite on the morning line in the $34,000 race over a mile and 40 yards, the sixth race Sunday.

Emmanuel races for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, who raced both of his Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winners, Super Saver   (2010) and Always Dreaming   (2017), at Tampa once during their early 3-year-old seasons.

Emmanuel was previously entered in an entry-level allowance race at Tampa Jan. 7 but was scratched after spiking a fever. He has recorded two bullet works since. Pablo Morales rides.

The WinStar Farm and Siena Farm-owned colt stretches out to two turns for the first time after breaking his maiden on debut by 6 3/4 lengths at Gulfstream Park going a one-turn mile Dec. 11. He is out of the unraced Hard Spun   mare Hard Cloth , a half sister to two group/grade 1 winners at a route, Hawkbill  and Free Drop Billy  .

Sunday's opposition is led by Glider , Boitano , and Pletcher stablemate In the Union .