Delaware: Vegas No Show outbattles Smash and Grab in Ricci Tavi

Vegas No Show reaffirmed his affinity for the dirt track at Delaware Park when he scored a neck victory over pacesetter Smash and Grab in Monday’s $50,375 Ricci Tavi Stakes for 3-year-olds at Delaware Park.

In 4 starts locally, the Monmouth Park-based Vegas No Show ($6) now has 3 wins and a runner-up finish in which he missed by a nose. At all other tracks, he is 0 for 10.

In the mile-and-70-yard Ricci Tavi, Vegas No Show, ridden by Alex Cintron, tracked Smash and Grab in second, two lengths off the lead, through six furlongs in 1:11.77. Vegas No Show got within a head of the lead at the eighth pole, moved to the front shortly thereafter, and maintained his narrow advantage. The winning time on a fast track was 1:41.94.

Smash and Grab, winner of the Nick Shuk Memorial last time out, finished five lengths clear of Keep the Canoli. Shinning Powers was fourth.

The top four finishers earned free nominations to the $100,000 Barbaro Stakes on closing day, Oct. 9.

Trained by Kelly Breen for George and Lori Hall, Vegas No Show is a son of Hard Spun. His other stakes win came in last fall’s Dover.