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Florida CupAGAINShowcases Florida-bred Stars in Quality-Laden Program ★
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BY BROCK SHERIDAN Tampa Bay Downs and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association presented the 18th renewal of the Florida Cup March 28 and the appealing program included six stakes for Floridabreds. The appeal was especially evident to those watching the races on TVG as host Ken Rudolph noted to commentator Matt Carothers on air. “Oh my goodness Matt,” Rudolph said. “You are not kidding about
the quality today at Tampa Bay Downs.” “Some races are better than others,” Carothers replied, “There’s not a bad race in the entire sequence. The races are either good or great at Tampa.” Each Florida Cup race offered a $100,000 purse with a $10,000 win bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association for horses eligible for the Florida Sire Stakes.
goodness Matt, you are not kidding about “Ohthemyquality today at Tampa Bay Downs.” – Ken Rudolph, TVG Host Tap It to Win Makes 2021 Debut With NYRA Bets Sprint Victory Tap It to Win made his first start of the year a big success as he won the $100,000 NYRA Bets Sprint by four-and-a-quarter lengths. Ridden by Antonio Gallardo, Tap It to Win bested five other older Florida-breds who went six furlongs. Fifth in the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes won by Tiz the Law on June 20 and second to Echo Town in the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 1, Tap It to Win finished his sophomore campaign at Churchill Downs with a third-place finish behind fellow Florida-bred Rushie in the Grade 2 Pat Day Mile on Sept. 5. Tap It to Win came into the Sprint as the 4-5 favorite and lived up to the support from his wagering fans with a dominating victory. R Mercedes Boy made for an eventful beginning to the Sprint as he veered out and bumped with Hauntedbythemusic then Tap It to Win before sprinting to the front with Cajun Brother to his outside. Meanwhile, Tap It to Win found position between horses from about two lengths back as they finished the run down the backstretch in a quick :22.16. R Mercedes Boy and Cajun Brother continued to battle around the turn as Gallardo steered Tap It to Win through a ground-saving trip on the rail. 40
THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL / MAY 2021
As they turned for home after completing the half-mile in :44.82, Tap It to Win found room on the rail and shot through the opening with urging from Gallardo and took command as they raced into the final furlong. They quickly opened up a clear advantage and throttled down to an easy victory in 1:09.43 with R Mercedes Boy
Florida-bred Tap It To Win ■ SV Photography
