No Problem's upset creates three-day pick six carryover

DEL MAR, Calif. – The day didn’t start off well on Saturday at Del Mar for trainer Michael McCarthy, who had to scratch his well-regarded filly, Longstocking, from the sixth race. But, befitting the patience McCarthy has shown with his barn since going out on his own late last year, it all worked out in the end.

McCarthy sent out No Problem for a 17-1 upset victory in the $100,750 Bob Hope Stakes, giving the trainer his first stakes win since leaving as an assistant to Todd Pletcher and returning to his native Southern California.

The victory was the final nail in the coffin of the day’s pick six tickets. There is a three-day carryover into Sunday of $599,483.

No Problem, just off the early pace in the seven-furlong race, surged to the lead entering the lane and held off even-money favorite Alright Alright in the final furlong to win by a half-length. Both No Problem and Alright Alright are sons of Munnings.

St. Joe Bay finished another length back in third. Sebastian’s Heart was fourth and was followed, in order, by Diamond Majesty, Every May, All Indians, and Story to Tell.

Prime Engine was scratched Saturday morning in favor of running in next Saturday’s Delta Jackpot.

No Problem ($36.20) completed seven furlongs on Polytrack in 1:23.48.

McCarthy has 13 horses, mostly 2-year-olds like No Problem. Rather than look for a quick hit, he has taken his time with his runners, and though he had few starters the first half of the year, he is getting more action, and more results, now.

No Problem had run twice previously. He was eighth in his debut going 6 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita against straight maidens, then dipped into a $75,000 maiden claimer going six furlongs at Santa Anita on Oct. 26 and romped by 4 1/2 lengths.

“His first race was better than it looked, down inside, dueling the whole way,” McCarthy said. “He bounced out of it well, and the spacing to the maiden-75 was perfect.”

With opportunities to run in an allowance few and far between, “We decided to roll the dice” and go in the Bob Hope, McCarthy said.

Victor Espinoza rode No Problem, who is owned by the P and G Stables LLC of Hernando Gutierrez and Nerina Morales of Florida.