Dr. No No holds off late challenge in I’m Smokin Stakes
?q=100)
Dr. No No won his stakes debut in Friday’s $125,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for 2-year-old statebreds at Del Mar, holding off a late surge from Mici’s Express to prevail by a nose.
Ridden by Ramon Vazquez, Dr. No No was always prominent after a sharp start from the outside post in the field of six. Vazquez kept Dr. No No wide on the backstretch and turn and took the lead from pacesetter Lord Prancealot in early stretch.
Dr. No No ($7.40) was never far in front and was fortunate to hold off 9-2 Mici’s Express who closed from last in early stretch. Last Call London (2-1) finished third, beaten a half-length, and was followed by Smokem Ez, Lord Prancealot, and Shady Appeal.
Tiger in My Tank was withdrawn.
Dr. No No ran six furlongs in 1:11.67.
:: DRF's 2023 Del Mar headquarters: Previews, past performances, picks, recaps, news, and more.
Lord Prancealot, Last Call London, and Mici’s Express were the first three finishers of the Graduation Stakes for statebreds at 5 1/2 furlongs on Aug. 11.
Dr. No No was bred in Kentucky but is eligible for California-bred races because his sire, Smiling Tiger, is based in the state. Trained by Brian Koriner, Dr. No No races for Rusty Brown, Alan Klein, and Phil Lebherz.
Dr. No No has won 2 of 3 starts and earned $130,290. After finishing third to Mici’s Express in a maiden race on July 22 at Del Mar, Dr. No No won a maiden race for statebreds at six furlongs by 8 1/4 lengths on Aug. 13.
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.