No More Time repays trainer’s decision in Sam F. Davis

Feb 10, 2024 Kellie Reilly/Brisnet.com

Morplay Racing’s No More Time ironically benefitted from getting extra time to score a new career high in Saturday’s $200,000 Sam F. Davis (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs. Scratched from the Feb. 3 Holy Bull (G3) when trainer Jose D’Angelo believed that he’d appreciate having another week, No More Time responded with a front-running victory that netted 20 points toward the Kentucky Derby (G1).

The Iowa-bred son of Not This Time was bet down to 3.30-1 favoritism off a generous morning line of 10-1. An impressive maiden winner at Gulfstream Park two starts back, No More Time was most recently a troubled fifth in the Mucho Macho Man S. A clean break with new rider Paco Lopez at Tampa, however, helped him to perform up to his ability.

No More Time scampered to the early lead, tracked by Change of Command, the slight second choice at 4.10-1. Adding drama to the early stages was longshot Everdoit, who unseated jockey Huber Villa-Gomez right out of the gate, raced up on the outside, and ultimately barged through the outer rail before the outrider collected him.

Meanwhile, No More Time put away Change of Command on the far turn. Then West Saratoga, winner of the Iroquois (G3) at the beginning of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, launched his challenge. But No More Time had more left and drew away from West Saratoga down the lane.

Although Agate Road rallied from last to reduce the margin, No More Time remained in control by 1 1/4 lengths. He completed 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.26 in this course-and-distance prep for the March 9 Tampa Bay Derby (G3).

Agate Road, employing the turf-to-dirt angle, earned his first 10 Derby points. Considering how Tampa tends to play kindly to turf runners, it remains to be seen if the deep closer can enhance his credentials on another surface.

Another 5 1/4 lengths back in third came West Saratoga, who added six points to his column for a total of 17. Elysian Meadows closed well for fourth, just a head away from snatching third, to pick up four points in his stakes debut. Fulmineo received two points in fifth, followed by Crazy Mason, Tireless, El Principito, Patriot Spirit, Copper Tax, and a lackluster Change of Command. Everdoit walked off with the outrider after his misadventure, according to the chart.

No More Time improved his record to 4-2-1-0, $156,780. The $40,000 Keeneland September yearling was a solid second in his 5 1/2-furlong unveiling at Gulfstream. The dark bay appreciated going up to one mile when graduating by 6 3/4 lengths last October. No More Time was among the key contenders in the Jan. 1 Mucho Macho Man, only to be compromised by his trip, and he showed his true colors here.

Out of the Speightstown mare Baroness Juliette, No More Time hails from the same extended family as recent Southwest (G3) romper Mystik Dan. They’re related to Grade 1 winners Siphonic and Laragh along with millionaire Summer Front.

No More Time was bred by MAMAS Thoroughbreds in Iowa. The Hawkeye State has yet to produce a Kentucky Derby winner, a stat that No More Time might aim to rewrite if he continues to progress on the trail.