Centeno off to fast start at Tampa

To borrow a line from Shakespeare, jockey Daniel Centeno has a lean and

hungry look. And although it is early in the meet, Centeno's cravings have

elevated him to the top spot in the Tampa Bay Downs standings.

Through 11 performances, the 41-year-old Tampa resident is serving notice of

his intention to claim an unprecedented fifth Oldsmar title -- even if, for now,

he is downplaying talk of a return to the top spot he last claimed during the

2009-10 season.

Centeno is one of three jockeys to win the crown four times, along with

still-active Ronnie Allen Jr. and William Henry.

Centeno, who rode three winners Saturday and added another Sunday in the

Cody's Original Roadhouse Race of the Week, has 12 victories from 59 starts,

along with 16 seconds and eight thirds. It shouldn't hurt that Centeno is riding

numerous horses for Jamie Ness, the six-time reigning Tampa Bay Downs training

champ.

Centeno holds the single-season Tampa Bay Downs mark with 144 winners, set

during the 2007-08 campaign.

"I'm not thinking about (winning another title) now," Centeno said after

urging two-year-old filly Cotton Pickin to a nose victory from Sea of Laughter

in the 7TH race, an allowance/$75,000 optional claiming event at a mile on the

turf.

"I want to come out here, do my job and try to do the best I can with every

horse. If I win the title, I win it, but it's way too early for that.

"I just want to win as many races as I can and try to stay healthy. That's

the main thing."

Centeno's ride aboard Cotton Pickin for owner Christine Vogt and trainer

Derek Ryan showed why he'll be tough to surpass. After Cotton Pickin broke

sideways from post 5 in the eight-horse field, Centeno settled her into stride,

but became concerned by the slow early fractions and lack of racing room down

the backstretch.

When he finally found an opening, Cotton Pickin responded. Sea of Laughter,

under Luis Garcia, was game down the stretch, and horses and jockeys treated the

crowd to a rip-roaring, head-bobbing duel to the wire, with Cotton Pickin just

up on the outside.

"They both took off and finished strong," Centeno said.

Look for Angel Serpa to keep Centeno in his sights throughout the meet. Serpa,

25, made a strong impression during the 2011-12 campaign, riding 72 winners to

place third in the standings.

He rode his ninth and 10th winners of the meet Sunday, piloting 2-5 favorite

Pot of Gold to a half-length victory in the 4TH race for owner Blue Top Holdings

Stable and trainer Jorge Navarro and 4-5 favorite Moon Over Parador to the

winner's circle in the 9TH for Midwest Thoroughbreds, Inc. and Ness.

Danny Coa and Fernando de la Cruz enter the Christmas holiday tied for third

with eight victories apiece. Coa won Sunday's 2ND race, a 1 1/16-mile turf

event, on two-year-old colt Lightning Stone for owner Adirondack Rose

Thoroughbreds and trainer William Allyn.

Dean Butler is fifth with seven victories, winning twice Sunday. Butler

scored in the 3RD race Sunday on four-year-old colt Adaro for owner Bruce McCrea

and trainer Robert O'Connor II and came back in the 10TH on 13-1 shot Righteous

Place, a two-year-old colt, for owner Bailey Bolen and trainer Bernell Rhone.

Scott Spieth has six winners and Garcia, Carol Cedeno and apprentice Ricardo

Mejias all have five victories.

Chad Stewart is currently the leading trainer with seven victories from only

17 starters, but a lack of numbers in his barn could imperil his hold on the

lead. Ness and Gerald Bennett are next with six wins, with three trainers at

five: Jane Cibelli, Jason DaCosta and Antonio Sano.

Live racing resumes Wednesday, with a first-race post time of 12:30 p.m.

(EST). There is no live racing or simulcast wagering Monday and Tuesday,

Christmas Day. However, The Silks Poker Room will be open Monday until just past

midnight. The Golf Practice Facility is also open Monday until 4:30 p.m.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com