Talented Colt Serves Notice in Sam F Davis – The road to the 2024 Kentucky Derby, closely watched by fans and punters on premier betting websites, passes through Tampa Bay Downs this winter. Upstart sophomore No More Time etched his name into the mix of top contenders with a convincing 1 1/4-length score in the $200,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes on February 10, sparking interest across the racing and betting community.
The dark bay son of Not This Time stalked the pace before striking the front and turning aside all challengers in the stretch. He crossed the wire in front and cleared another key hurdle on the Trail. With Kentucky Derby qualifying points now in the bag, No More Time vaulted up the leaderboard into a tie for sixth.
After a troubled fifth-place effort last out in the Mucho Macho Man Stakes, No More Time regained his strong form from a 6 3/4-length romp two starts back. Sam F. Davis proved his class and marked a significant step forward against stakes companies.
Talented Colt Serves Notice in Sam F Davis – Bouncing Back in Fine Form
No More Time entered the one-mile Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs looking to rebound from a disastrous start in the Mucho Macho Man at Gulfstream Park. After hopping at the break, ducking in, and spotting the field considerable ground, he passed tired horses late to finish fifth.
Drawing post three of seven in the Sam F. Davis, No More Time broke cleanly under jockey Paco Lopez. He stalked pacesetter West Saratoga through fractions of :23.40 and :46.61 over the fast main track, pulled up alongside that rival at the top of the lane, and powered clear late.
The impressive score provided redemption for trainer Jose D’Angelo, who blamed himself for the Mucho Macho Man defeat.
“He was supposed to run in an allowance race in December and got a fever, and he only had two workouts for the Mucho Macho Man Stakes,” D’Angelo said. “We’re trying to make a campaign for him, and I thought he needed one more workout before his next start to be at his best.”
After proving his condition with an eye-catching five-furlong breeze in 1:00 at Tampa Bay on February 3, No More Time regained winning form at the perfect time.
Gaining Ground on Derby Leaderboard
The Kentucky Derby point series continues to take shape on the Road to the Roses. No More Time’s Sam F. Davis victory shot him up from also-ran status to a tie for sixth with 22 points.
Heavy Roller continues to lead the way with 44 points, but the Derby picture often shifts week-to-week as prep races award increasing points. No More Time took a positive step to insert his name among the top sophomores.
His sire Not This Time nearly pulled a monumental upset as the runner-up in the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita. That ability to carry speed has clearly passed through his progeny.
The Tampa Bay Derby on March 9 would be a logical starting point for No More Time’s next Derby prep.
Sky’s the Limit for Talented Sophomore
No More Time has flashed brilliance in the mornings since his professional debut last September. After chasing home the winner a second time out, he unleashed his talent with a visually impressive 6 3/4-length romp at Gulfstream Park in late October.
But few could have expected him to translate that across to stakes companies so quickly. Sam F. Davis affirmed No More Time belongs in the conversation of top Kentucky Derby contenders. Significant improvement may still be in the cards with only four career races under his belt.
Trainer Jose D’Angelo has brought his exciting 3-year-old along patiently, and that approach now looks set to pay dividends in the coming months. No More Time remains a work in progress, but his maiden stakes triumph serves notice of the immense potential within.
While his speed figures demand improvement to reach an elite level, added distance should help in that regard. His professional demeanor and tactical speed are ideal assets on the Derby trail that culminates on the first Saturday of May.
If No More Time continues his ascent through the Tampa Bay Derby, he figures to take on his top peers from the East Coast contingent in the April 1 Florida Derby. That would serve as a key graduate-level test of his credentials.
For now, the buzz around the progressing No More Time is well-founded, offering key horse racing betting insights for those closely monitoring the field. His breakthrough stakes performance at Tampa stamped him as a new shooter to watch in the Run for the Roses division, providing valuable information for bettors seeking to capitalize on emerging contenders in the highly competitive and unpredictable world of horse racing betting insights.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: February 14, 2024
Last updated: February 15, 2024