Blind River Fox gets up by a neck

Blind River Fox ($25.20) notched his 22nd career victory when he ran down Ruby's Red Socks in the final strides for a neck victory in the $65,000 Pelican Stakes before 3,862 fans at Tampa Bay Downs.

Under a well-judged ride by Willie Martinez, the 7-year-old Blind River Fox sat off a torrid pace set by Ruby's Red Socks of 22.17 and 44:50 seconds, then went after the leader in the stretch and gamely wore down his rival.

Duke's Flying Tiger finished third, 1 3/4 lengths farther back. The favorite, Bold Start, finished sixth.

Blind River Fox, who is now 2 for 2 since being claimed for $50,000 by trainer Gerald Bennett, covered the six furlongs in 1:10.09.