Santa Anita: No Slip by a nose in Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. - A bob of the head was the difference between No Slip and Sligo Bay in the $150,000 Oak Tree Derby at Santa Anita. The pair traded leads in the final few strides, but No Slip had his head down at the finish. The official margin was a nose after 1 1/8 miles on turf.

Trained by the red-hot Bobby Frankel, No Slip was patiently ridden by Kent Desormeaux, who kept No Slip wide on the backstretch, stalking a slow pace set by Sigfreto. No Slip drew closer on the second turn and was four-wide entering the stretch. At the eighth pole, No Slip was still sixth, but only 2 1/2 lengths off the front. Staying wide, No Slip caught Sligo Bay with 50 yards remaining.

Sligo Bay finished a neck in front of Romanceishope, the 8-5 favorite.