My Trusty Cat Wins Delta Princess Duel

Carl F. Pollard's My Trusty Cat, ridden by Terry Thompson, collared favored Souris in the stretch and won the duel to the wire by a length, capturing the inaugural $250,000 Delta Princess Stakes at one mile for 2-year-old fillies at Delta Downs Saturday night.

Trained by David Vance, the daughter of Tale of the Cat won in a time of 1:39.54 on a fast track. Delta Downs is a five-furlong oval.

Souris, sent off at even money in the field of eight with Corey Lanerie aboard, was just off the pace set by Tulupai in fractions of :23.16 and :47.95, before passing that rival with about two furlongs to go in 1:13.17. She didn't get much of a breather, though, as My Trusty Cat, who had ranged up from midpack, immediately challenged her on the outside at the top of the stretch.

My Trusty Cat, a stubborn third behind My Boston Gal in the Golden Rod Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs Nov. 30 in her most recent effort, collected her second win from six career starts. She has hit the board in all six outings. The victory was worth $150,000, improving her career banroll to $228,025.

Sent off at 2-1, My Trusty Cat paid $6, $2.40 and $2.20. Souris returned $2.40 and $2.20. Miss Mary Apples, with Eddie Martin Jr. in the irons, was in position while running evenly to finish third, 5 1/2 lengths back, paying $3.20 for the show.

(Chart, Equibase)