After Troops had two uneventful trips in maiden special weight company at Tampa Bay Downs, trainer John Vinson dropped him into a $32,000 maiden claimer and it was all the 3-year-old gelding needed. The son of Bahamian Squall broke his maiden in try No. 3, without encountering a threat in the final eighth of a mile.

    With Pablo Morales in the irons, Troops was away fourth in the race at 6 1/2 furlongs and Morales quickly sent him through on the inside to take the lead in a quick :22.65 quarter. Troops passed the half in :45.12 and the six furlongs in 1:10.86, and coasted to the wire 2 1/2 lengths in front in 1:17.86. He paid $4.80 as favorite and earned a check for $14,600.