Mo Cash holds off Three Rules in Marion County Stakes

Mo Cash turned the tables on heavily favored Three Rules when holding sway Saturday in the $125,000 Marion County Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar, Fla.

Three Rules had rallied to edge Mo Cash by a neck in the Grade 3 Carry Back in July, but this time Mo Cash used a sudden spurt at the quarter-pole before going on to prevail by three-quarters of a length in the Marion County, a seven-furlong race restricted to Florida-bred 3-year-olds.

Antonio Gallardo rode Mo Cash for owner Marco Thoroughbred Corp. and trainer Ron Spatz. A gelding by Adios Charlie, Mo Cash was snapping a four-race losing streak when returning $4.80 as second choice after finishing in 1:22.84 over a fast track.

Three Rules, who would have surpassed the $1 million earnings mark with a victory, was the 7-10 favorite under Emisael Jaramillo and making his first start since the Carry Back. The top two can be expected to run next in the Jan. 20 Sunshine Millions series at their home track, Gulfstream Park.

One race earlier, Surprise Wedding ($6.80) swept past a pair of front-runners leaving the furlong pole when posting a 2 1/4-length triumph in the $125,000 City of Ocala, the filly counterpart to the Marion County. Stormy Embrace was second and favored R Angel Katelyn was third.

Jesus Rios was aboard Surprise Wedding for owner William A.T. Rainbow and trainer David Fawkes. The 3-year-old daughter of High Cotton was exiting back-to-back turf races when finishing seven furlongs in 1:22.40 for her first stakes win, and third overall, from nine starts.

Both the Marion County and City of Ocala are part of the Florida Sire Stakes series sponsored by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.