Princess Tereska scores at Tampa after long layoff

In her first seven races, which were run over a span of four seasons, the best Princess Tereska could muster up was a lone second and a third. Prior to the eighth race at Tampa Bay Downs yesterday, the daughter of Gone Astray hadn’t seen action for a year and six days.

When the 6-year-old mare bred by Dancing Wind Stables made her return, it wouldn’t have been a surprise if she went off at 20-1 or higher. Yet, with just three recent ho-hum morning trials listed at the Nelson Jones Training Center in Ocala, Princess Tereska went to the post at just 6-1. She more than validated the heavy action.

With Mario Fuentes in the saddle, Princess Tereska took back to sixth heading down the backstretch in the race at six furlongs. She then made a strong run on the turn, was up to second at the top of the stretch, caught 9/2 Feel Like Guessing in the last 100 yards, and sprinted away to a nearly three-length victory in 1:12.40. She earned $7,850, paid $14.40 and gave Gone Astray his 11th winner this year.