“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” couldn’t be a more appropriate adage than when referring to Nouveau Riche’s maiden-breaking victory in the first race at Tampa Bay Downs on Sunday.  

    The 4-year-old filly by Bahamian Squall went 15 races (seven at Gulfstream, three at Mountaineer and five at Tampa), posting just a pair of seconds, before getting to the winner’s circle for the first time. And Sunday’s tote board reflected her connection’s frustration: for this one, she paid a mind-boggling $142.80.  

    Cesar Gonzalez was aboard Nouveau Riche, who was off well from the No. 6 post in the race at six furlongs. The little-known rider wasted no time taking his filly on a four-wide move after a quarter in :22.59, and she quickly closed the gap on the leaders, getting up to second entering the stretch. From there she ran down 22-1 Jaantse as Jason Beem called, “It’s Nouveau Riche late – Nouveau Riche is 70-1.” She was 2 1/4 lengths in front at the wire, clocked in 1:12.33, and the victory was worth $9,755.