Therecomesatiger draws clear

Saving ground every step of the way, Therecomesatiger slipped through along the rail on the second turn to gain the lead and went on to a 2 1/2-length victory in the $75,000 Chris Thomas Turf Classic at Tampa Bay Downs.

With Luis Gonzalez taking his second stakes win on the program, Therecomesatiger covered the nine furlongs of the Thomas over a firm course in 1:49.53. The favorite, Revved Up, challenged for the lead on the second turn and then held on to save the place by three-quarters of a length over Puppeteer.

Therecomesatiger returned $6.60 as second choice in the wagering in the field of eight turf specialists.

* Bucky's Prayer ($5.60) set a blistering pace and slowly drew away late under Gonzalez to win the $65,000 Lightning City Stakes.

Bucky's Prayer finished 2 1/4 lengths ahead of Zooming By, who saved the place by a nose over Mohegan Sky.

Bucky's Prayer, trained by Gerald Bennett, covered the five furlongs over a firm turf course in 55.50 seconds, just off the track record of 55.02.