Tomlinson splits stable between Gulfstream and Tampa

Trainer Mike Tomlinson has split his stable between Gulfstream and Tampa for the first time, sending 24 horses here while maintaining roughly the same number on the other side of the Florida peninsula.

“We’ve grown the last few years,” said Tomlinson, whose permanent base is Kentucky.

Tomlinson's Tampa assistant is Mike Thompson, a former longtime trainer who had his most recent starter in November. Longtime assistant D.W. Fries remains based at Gulfstream.

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◗ Nearly a month into the 2018-19 meet, Gerald Bennett already has asserted his dominance atop the trainer standings. Into Wednesday action, Bennett led in both starters (32) and wins (11).

Among jockeys, Samy Camacho leads in mounts (62) and wins (17), while perennial leader Antonio Gallardo shows an ROI of just 92 cents after winning eight races from his first 57 mounts.

◗ There is a five-week gap in stakes at Tampa, with $125,000 Gasparilla, $125,000 Pasco, and $50,000 Wayward Lass on Jan. 19 being next. The two biggest days of the meet are Feb. 9, topped by the Sam F. Davis, and March 9, Tampa Bay Derby Day.

◗ Four-day race weeks are now under way at Tampa, with Sundays being added this week. There are no scheduling changes for the upcoming holidays except for the facility being closed on Christmas for poker and simulcasting.