OLDSMAR — A way for East Coast racing fans to forget about the blizzards and bomb cyclones this past winter was to keep Tampa Bay Downs in their collective thoughts.Their support contributed to a positive bottom line in 2017-18 for the thoroughbred track on Race Track Road.Out-of-state patrons, attracted more to the Downs' product with weather-related track closings elsewhere, were instrumental as the track used early momentum to post a 1.39-percent gain in all-source handle for its 92nd annual meet. The final performance of the 91-day season will take place at the June 30-July 1 Summer Festival of Racing, which subsequently begins the 2018-19 schedule.Total all-source handle for the first 90 days on Downs races was $362,576,644, a daily average of $4,028,629. Interstate wagering, money bet from sources excluding Florida, was the driving force behind those numbers with a 2.47-percent increase to $324,866,441 — an average of $3,609,627. The Downs was down in all other key categories.On-track wagering had the largest decline. It was off 10.5 percent at $16,780,899, a daily average of $186,454. On-track handle provides the Downs and its horsemen with the largest net revenue percentage. In-state betting from other sites diminished 4.15 percent at $20,929,304, an average of $232,548. Attendance was off 3.82 percent with a daily average of 2,996 as 269,603 fans passed through the turnstiles.A total of 854 races took place with a field average of 8.01 horses, down from last year's rate of 8.24 for 855 races. Three races on the April 15 card were canceled by inclement weather. The Downs ran 305 turf events, one more than the previous season. The claiming box was not as active with 243 horses being claimed totaling $2,782,000, declines of 12.27 percent and 17.74 percent, respectively. Statistics were available through Equibase, a company that monitors track data."Some of the numbers were down a little, but I think the meet went pretty well,'' said Bob Jeffries, who was re-elected recently as Downs Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association president.The Downs continued its run of sending graduates to the Kentucky Derby with Vino Rosso (ninth), Flameaway (13th) and Magnum Moon (19th) finishing behind winner Justify. History also was made on the Downs' March 10 Festival Day program when a track-record $14,859,633 was wagered on the 12 races.Jockey Antonio Gallardo scored his fourth win championship with 120 victories from 517 starts, and led in purse earnings at $1,829,510. Gerald Bennett captured his fourth training title with 53 wins from 247 starts, and also was first in purse earnings with $831,185. Richard Averill was the top owner for the third time with 19 victories. Jose Bracho, who finished with 31 wins overall, had 17 victories as an apprentice rider to claim that honor. Jermyn Street led all horses with five wins from six starts for owners Vince Campanella and trainer Keith Nations' Racing Stable.Dogs: Derby Lane kicks off its final 550-yard stakes race of the 2017-18 meet Saturday night with the $20,000 Remembrance in St. Petersburg. Thirty-two pups will compete in the first of four qualifying rounds (Races 4, 6, 8 and 10). The top eight in accumulative points advance to the May 28 title race. First place pays $9,000. Nova kennel is the defending champion for operators Hans and Elly Limmer.