Horse Race Preview: Grade III Michelob Ultra Challenger Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs

The Grade III Michelob Ultra Challenger Stakes is set to take place on March 8, 2025, at Tampa Bay Downs. This 1 1/16-mile dirt race for four-year-olds and up has a purse of $125,000 and promises to be an exciting event. Let’s dive into the details of the horses, jockeys, trainers, and pedigrees for this race.

Horses and Pedigrees

1. Life Is Precious
   1. Sire: World of Trouble
   1. Dam: Vilao
   1. Breeder: Allan Chappell & Lori Chappell & World of Trouble Syndicate
   1. Owner: Winning Stables, Inc. and Todd R. Bittiger
   1. Trainer: Gerald S. Bennett
   1. Jockey: Daniel Centeno
   1. Weight: 119 lbs
2. O Captain
   1. Sire: Carpe Diem
   1. Dam: Mama Nadine
   1. Breeder: WinStar Farm, LLC
   1. Owner: JC Racing Stable
   1. Trainer: Carlos Narvaez
   1. Jockey: Samuel Marin
   1. Weight: 119 lbs
3. Instant Coffee
   1. Sire: Bolt d’Oro
   1. Dam: Follow No One
   1. Breeder: Sagamore Farm, LLC
   1. Owner: Gold Square, LLC
   1. Trainer: Chad Summers
   1. Jockey: Dylan Davis
   1. Weight: 121 lbs
4. El Principito
   1. Sire: Accelerate
   1. Dam: Roxie Fast Moon
   1. Breeder: Southwind Stables, Inc.
   1. Owner: Winning Stables, Inc.
   1. Trainer: Gerald S. Bennett
   1. Jockey: Samy Camacho
   1. Weight: 119 lbs
5. Patriot Spirit
   1. Sire: Constitution
   1. Dam: Mistical Plan
   1. Breeder: Blue Heaven Farm
   1. Owner: Mellon Patch, Inc.
   1. Trainer: Michael B. Campbell
   1. Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
   1. Weight: 121 lbs
6. Most Wanted
   1. Sire: Candy Ride (ARG)
   1. Dam: Beach Walk
   1. Breeder: Gary & Mary West Stables Inc.
   1. Owner: Mary E. and Gary L. West
   1. Trainer: Brad H. Cox
   1. Jockey: Florent Geroux
   1. Weight: 121 lbs
7. Bendoog
   1. Sire: Gun Runner
   1. Dam: Nellie Cashman
   1. Breeder: Calumet Farm
   1. Owner: Frank Fletcher Racing Operations, Inc. and William I. Mott
   1. Trainer: William I. Mott
   1. Jockey: Flavien Prat
   1. Weight: 119 lbs
8. Skippylongstocking
   1. Sire: Exaggerator
   1. Dam: Twinkling
   1. Breeder: Brushy Hill, LLC
   1. Owner: Daniel Alonso
   1. Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
   1. Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
   1. Weight: 123 lbs

Race Analysis

Skippylongstocking enters the Michelob Ultra Challenger Stakes as the defending champion, having won this race last year. Trained by Saffie A. Joseph, Jr., this 6-year-old son of Exaggerator has shown consistent form and will be looking to secure a three-peat in this race. With Tyler Gaffalione aboard, Skippylongstocking will be a strong contender.

Life Is Precious, trained by Gerald S. Bennett, has shown promise with consistent performances. With Daniel Centeno as his jockey, Life Is Precious will be looking to make an impact in this race.

O Captain, trained by Carlos Narvaez, has been performing well in recent races. With Samuel Marin aboard, O Captain will be aiming for a strong finish.

Instant Coffee, trained by Chad Summers, has shown potential with a recent second-place finish in a similar stakes race. With Dylan Davis as his jockey, Instant Coffee will be looking to build on that success.

El Principito, also trained by Gerald S. Bennett, has been consistent in his performances and will be looking to make an impact in this race. With Samy Camacho as his jockey, El Principito will be aiming for a strong finish.

Patriot Spirit, trained by Michael B. Campbell, has shown promise with consistent performances. With Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard, Patriot Spirit will be a strong contender.

Most Wanted, trained by Brad H. Cox, has been performing well in recent races. With Florent Geroux as his jockey, Most Wanted will be aiming for a strong finish.

Bendoog, trained by William I. Mott, has shown potential with consistent performances. With Flavien Prat aboard, Bendoog will be looking to make an impact in this race.