Garcia takes Fledermaus wire-to-wire at Tampa in 3rd try

In his first two trips aboard Fledermaus at Tampa Bay Downs, Wilmer Garcia settled the 5-year-old son of Treasure Beach into mid-pack early, and they weren’t able get a big piece of the purse in either race. The third time proved to be the charm, however, as Garcia switched tactics, shooting the 5-year-old gelding to the lead from the No. 3 post, and Fledermaus took it from there, going on to nail down his second career victory for owner/breeder Glen View Oaks.

Fledermaus had plenty of company throughout the mile and 40-yard trip, but he turned away every challenge before leaving the field behind at the top of the stretch, and he drew off to prevail by 6 1/4 widening lengths. He paid $14.20 and became the ninth winner of the year for Treasure Beach, plus providing Glen View Oaks with a check for $6,000 and a breeder’s award.