Stayin or Strayin breaks his maiden at Tampa

Stayin or Strayin became Gone Astray’s fifth winner of 2022 with a game come-from-behind victory at Tampa Bay Downs, breaking his maiden in his fifth try.

The 4-year-old gelding had the services of talented Pablo Morales, who had to call upon all of his riding acumen to get the job done. Stayin or Strayin was off fifth and Morales was content to sit on the rail within hailing distance of the leaders down the backstretch. Blocked on the final turn, Morales had to send his horse between rivals approaching the stretch, then swung out four wide and ran down the pacesetter nearing the wire, winning by half a length.

Stayin or Strayin raced 1 1/16 miles in 1:48.24, paid $9.20, and earned a check for $7,850.