Revved Up rolls to victory at Tampa

Revved Up made his 2006 debut a winning one Saturday, when he roared past pacesetter Big Tex in midstretch and drew off to a three-length win in the $75,000 Chris Thomas Turf Classic at Tampa Bay Downs.

Ridden by Eddie Castro, Revved Up settled early, then advanced along the inside after a half-mile, as Big Tex set a quick pace under Manny Cruz. Turning into the stretch, Castro swung Revved Up to the middle of the course, and Revved Up responded, rallying past the leader and drawing away late.

Ballonenostrikes was up late to finish second, 1 3/4 lengths in front of Big Tex. Bodgiteer finished fourth.

Trained by Christophe Clement, Revved Up ($3.20) covered 1 1/8 miles over a firm turf course in 1:48.25 and earned $42,500 for the victory.

In the co-featured $75,000 Lightning City Stakes, trainer Kirk Ziadie scratched heavily favored Whenthedoveflies, but his other runner, Jewels N Gems, picked up the slack. Jewels N Gems got through along the rail in the stretch, gained the lead from pacesetter Yes It's Gold leaving the furlong marker, then held off a late charge by Jabalski Princess to post a three-quarter-length victory. Yes It's Gold finished another neck back in third.

Sent off as the 5-2 favorite, Jewels N Gems covered the five furlongs over a firm turf course in 57.14 seconds under Castro and scored her third straight win. She has nine wins overall.