Tampa to reward statebreds

OLDSMAR, Fla. - Florida-breds will be the focus on April 6 at Tampa Bay Downs. The track will stage six $75,000 stakes, with statebreds preferred in the entries. Funding of $40,000 per race from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners Association and the local Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association will help make Florida-breds eligible for approximately $500,000 in purse money.

The stakes include two seven-furlong races, one for 3-year-old fillies and one for 3-year-old colts and geldings, and a six-furlong race for 4-year olds and up. Carded for the turf are a 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds, one at the same distance for older females, and a 1 1/8-mile race for older males.