Debut win could propel Morganite to Sorrento Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif.- Morganite, purchased for $360,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale of 2-year-olds in-training in March, won her debut in Saturday’s eighth race at Del Mar, leading trainer John Sadler to make tentative plans for a start in the $200,000 Sorrento Stakes for fillies on Aug. 6.

Ridden by Victor Espinoza for owners Pete and Kosta Hronis, Morganite ($19.40) stalked pacesetter Lovely Linda to early stretch before winning the five-furlong maiden race by 1 1/2 lengths in 58.13 seconds.

“She’s very smart and wants to run on,” Sadler said.

Sadler said that Morganite could skip the Sorrento at 6 1/2 furlongs in favor of the $300,000 Del Mar Debutante at seven furlongs on Sept. 3.

The filly was the first winner for the stallion Gemologist, who stands at WinStar Farm in Kentucky.