- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Del Mar Today
By the People, for the People
Rugelach Favored in Tampa Bay Downs Allowance Race
Florida-bred mare seeks to end streak of runner-up finishes in $32,000 optional claiming event.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:18pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Rugelach's quest for an elusive victory at Tampa Bay Downs is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Del Mar TodayFlorida-bred mare Rugelach enters the featured ninth race at Tampa Bay Downs on April 15, 2026, as the 9-5 morning line favorite. The six-year-old is seeking to break a streak of three consecutive second-place finishes in the $32,000 optional claiming race for fillies and mares aged four and older.
Why it matters
Rugelach has demonstrated consistent form but has struggled to secure a victory in her most recent outings. A win in this race would be an important step in her campaign and could set her up for bigger opportunities down the line.
The details
The event is a second condition, $32,000 optional claiming race for fillies and mares aged four and older. The contest will be held over a distance of a mile-and-a-sixteenth on the turf. The total purse for the race is $56,500, which includes $23,000 provided by the Tampa Bay Downs/HBPA/Florida Fund and Florida Owners Awards. Rugelach will be ridden by jockey Samuel Marin, marking the first time the pair has competed together.
- The race will take place on April 15, 2026 at Tampa Bay Downs.
- Rugelach's current streak of runner-up finishes began in August 2025 at Del Mar.
The players
Rugelach
A six-year-old Florida-bred mare who enters the race as the 9-5 morning line favorite.
Samuel Marin
The jockey who will ride Rugelach, marking the first time the pair has competed together.
George Papaprodromou
The former trainer of Rugelach, who had the mare in his care when she finished second at Del Mar in August 2025.
Sam Wilensky
The current owner and trainer of Rugelach, who has overseen the mare's recent runner-up finishes at Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park.
CESA Farm
The breeder of Rugelach, who is by Twirling Candy out of Proud and Charming.
What they’re saying
“Rugelach has been knocking on the door and I think this could be the race where she finally breaks through.”
— Sam Wilensky, Trainer
What’s next
If Rugelach wins this race, she could be pointed towards higher-level stakes events at Gulfstream Park or Keeneland later in the year.
The takeaway
Rugelach's consistent performances and strong pedigree make her the horse to beat in this allowance race, as she looks to end a frustrating streak of runner-up finishes and secure her first victory since last summer.
