Nosir much the best

Nosir ($2.80) had no trouble validating his status as Yavapai's top horse as the 5-year-old gelding easily handled the other top handicap horses and the meet's top 3-year-old Rule by Force when cruising to a 4 1/2-length victory in Sunday's $21,000 Yavapai Mile-Hi Handicap.

Owned by R. J. Racing and trained by Jacque Guerra, Nosir, the 2-5 favorite, jumped right out to press the pace in the 1 1/16-mile race, took over when ready into the lane and drew off to win easily under Vince Guerra. Confidential Call, last early in the field of seven, made a strong run into the lane to briefly scare the favorite but couldn't keep up in the final furlong, settling for second. He remained well clear of the rest, finishing three lengths in front of Trifecta Phil, who set the pace before faltering. Rule by Force, the meet's top 3-year-old and 3-1 second choice, was well back early and never mustered a run, finishing sixth.

Nosir covered the distance in 1:41.54. The winner's share of $11,550 pushed his career bankroll to $120,094 from 7 wins in 29 starts. He's now 3 for 3 at Yavapai, including taking the Les Mackin Handicap earlier this meet.