Racer upsets Weast Hill in Nodouble

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Racer pulled one of the most significant upsets in Arkansas-bred racing of the last three years when he handed Weast Hill his first Oaklawn defeat in the $100,000 Nodouble.

Weast Hill was 3-5 in his attempt to push his local record to 8 for 8. Weast Hill started his Oaklawn streak in 2015.

The Nodouble was a six-furlong race for 3-year-olds and up bred in Arkansas.

Racer ($17.20) moved to a clear lead soon after the start Saturday, putting up fractions of 22.21 seconds for the opening quarter and 45.52 for the half-mile. Weast Hill stalked the leader and, in the stretch, made a run at his loose-on-the-lead rival, but Racer had more and went on to win by 1 1/14 lengths. Racer covered the distance on a fast track in 1:10.22.

"We left there in front and stayed there," said Jon Court, who was aboard the winner for trainer Tim Martin. “The horse has been sharp. I wasn’t going to take anything away from him and we ended up out-breaking everybody and got to the lead. We just persevered from there."

Joe Rocco Jr., who rode Weast Hill, said his mount did all he could do Saturday.

“He ran really well,” Rocco said. “He stumbled a little leaving the gate ... that cost him a little, but [Racer] went out there and we sat off of him. [Weast Hill] ran his eyeballs out trying to get to him, but the winner had too much.”

Racer earned $60,000 for the win, his third career victory from 13 starts. He has earned $161,778. Racer is a son of Jonesboro who races for Val Yagos. He was bred by her husband, Bob Yagos.

“This is amazing,” Val Yagos said. “This is just ‘Wow!’ This is what we do this for.”

Racer is out of the mare Leading Lass, who is a half-sister to Spotsgone, a multiple Grade 3 winner of $659,307 who raced for Bob Yagos.