Racing returns to Tampa Bay Downs on Wednesday with a nine-race program and a first post of 12:40 p. m.

  The jockey colony is a familiar one, which includes several of the leading riders from past years - Daniel Centeno, Antonio Gallardo and Samy Camacho - long-time veterans Vernon Bush and Jose Ferrer, plus Ademar Santos, Hubert Villa-Gomez, Pablo Morales, Joe Rocco Jr. and talented youngster Melissa Iorio.

    Leading trainers Kathleen O'Connell and Gerald Bennett have runners in on opening day, as do Robert Smith, Greg Sacco, Ken Rice and Gary Contessa.

    Ocala owners with Wednesday mounts are Smith, Rice, Don Ming and Team Equistaff, while breeders are represented by Jacks or Better Farm, Shadybrook Farm, Joe and Helen Barbazon (Pleasant Acres) Stonehedge Farm and Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck.

    Florida's present and former top stallions have runners entered, including leading sire Khozan from Journeyman Stud, plus Adios Charlie, Cajun Breeze, Valiant Minister, St. Patrick's Day, Social Inclusion, The Big Beast, Noble Bird, Awesome of Course, and Pleasant Acres freshman Curlin's Honor. 

    There are two races on the card with purses of $53,000.  

        

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