No Flies On Doodle takes Emerald stakes

AUBURN, Wash. - No Flies On Doodle raced to a mild upset Sunday in the $50,000 Hastings Handicap for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs.

The third choice in the wagering at 7-2, No Flies On Doodle defeated 3-5 favorite Hallelujah Trail by 1 3/4 lengths, running six furlongs on a fast track in a stakes-record 1:08.20. Clair Annette, front-running winner of the 2009 Hastings Handicap, was another length back in third, followed by Barbara's Love, Elusive Surprise and Puff Maddie in the field of six.

A two-time stakes winner last year at 3, No Flies On Doodle was making her second start of the Emerald meeting for trainer Vann Belvoir. She captured a 5 1/2-furlong allowance race April 9 in her first attempt against older horses. Sunday's score was his sixth victory in nine career starts. The $27,500 winner's share increased her earnings to $133,552 for a partnership headed by Keith and Jan Swagerty of Enumclaw, Wash.

Ridden by Gallyn Mitchell, No Flies On Doodle tracked Clair Annette through the first quarter mile before surging to the front entering the stretch. Hallelujah Trail, a close fourth behind Mona De Momma in the Grade 3 Las Flores Handicap at Santa Anita in her previous start, was stymied behind horses around the turn and closed belatedly under Ricky Frazier to gain the place. Clair Annette, making her first start of 2010, gave way in the final furlong to finish third.

No Flies On Doodle could be seen next in the $50,000 Washington State Legislators Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs May 31, though Belvoir said he'll consider other venues for her next start, with the Claiming Crown championships July 24 at Canterbury already on her summer schedule.

Also Sunday, Belvoir and Mitchell teamed to win a 5 1/2-furlong allowance race with Peaceful Reign, a 4-year-old who won his season debut by 4-1/2 lengths in 1:01.40, .20 of a second off the track and North American record shared by Willie the Cat and The Great Face.