Tampa Bay: Above the Wind rolls

Above the Wind ran his early challengers into the ground through one of the fastest opening half-miles in the history of this strip, then drew away through the stretch to win his second straight Super Stakes. He paid $12.

With regular rider Federico Mata aboard, Above the Wind battled with several rivals through an opening quarter-mile of 22.06 seconds and a half-mile of 44.59. He then shook free out of the turn and hit the eighth pole with a 1 1/2-length half lead after six furlongs in 1:09.40. Above the Wind completed the seven furlongs in 1:22.60, beating the 30-1 Avid Skier by 3 1/4 lengths. Attack the Books rallied late to be third, 1 1/4 lengths behind Avid Skier.