Kentucky Derby winner Thunder Gulch rallied from fifth to win the $400,000 Kentucky Cup Classic on Saturday and partly atone for the earlier loss of stablemate Serena's Song at Turfway Park.

The win was the fourth straight for Thunder Gulch, dating to his Belmont Stakes victory, and kept him on target for a showdown with Cigar in the Breeders' Cup Classic on Oct. 28 at Belmont Park.

"I think it would make a great climax to the season," said Michael Tabor, owner of Thunder Gulch.

Tabor and trainer D. Wayne Lukas said Thunder Gulch might have one more race before the showdown.

Thunder Gulch was bumped twice during the race and ran five wide most of the trip. Gary Stevens finally made his move near the quarter pole and overtook Judge TC in deep stretch, drawing off to win by one length.

Judge TC, who pressed the pace early and took over the lead after a half mile, finished 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Bound By Honor.

Thunder Gulch paid $2.40, $2.20 and $2.10. Judge TC paid $3.40 and $2.10. Bound By Honor was $2.10.

Betting on the 1-5 favorite created a minus show pool of $107,441.

"It wasn't too artistic, but it was the right result," Lukas said.

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