By Doug McCoy
Gerald Bennett became only the second trainer in Tampa Bay Downs history to start four horses and win with all of them on single card when he captured the third, fourth, fifth, and eighth races on the 11-race program March 5.
The 71-year-old native of Nova Scotia sent out Thunder Harbor ($4.60) to take the third race for $25,000 claiming sprinters, came back in the fourth race to saddle Antoine ($3) in a maiden event, and then captured the fifth with R Quick Temper ($12.20) in a race for 3-year-old filly claimers. Bennett finished the day in the eighth race when Taipan's Advantage ($3) romped by almost seven lengths in a $25,000 claiming race.
Ronnie Allen Jr., who won four races on the card, was aboard Thunder Harbor and Taipan's Advantage while Antonio Gallardo handled Antoine and Fernando De La Cruz rode R Quick Temper.
According to Tampa Bay's public relations department, only Kathleen O'Connell has four wins from as many starters on one program. Jamie Ness has won four races on a card twice.
Bennett topped off the weekend and made it five wins in a row when Mount Meru ($3.40) won the March 5 opener under De La Cruz.
