Soldier's Dancer, by Buck Pond Farm stallion LOST SOLDIER , wore down a stubborn Silver Tree through the final furlong for a 1 1/4-length victory in the Turf Classic, one of six $85,000 stakes for Florida-breds at Tampa Bay Downs Saturday. With the victory, Soldier's Dancer improved his raceline to 7 wins, 5 seconds and 4 thirds from 22 lifetime starts. The gray gelding has now earned $714,180 for his owner, Herman Heinlein.

Ridden by Daniel Centeno, Soldier's Dancer ($4.60) lagged back in last through the opening five furlongs of the 1 1/8-mile grass race. Soldier's Dancer moved up quickly along the outside through the final turn while Silver Tree was moving to the front.

Silver Tree held a clear lead a furlong out, but Soldier's Dancer would not be denied. He covered the 1 1/8 miles over a firm course in 1:49.95. Silver Tree held second and Fearless Eagle was a fast-closing third after being blocked to late stretch.