Holmby, Miss Monica bound for Debutante
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Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert plans to run Holmby and Miss Monica in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante on Sept. 7 after the 2-year-old fillies recorded impressive wins last Sunday.
“There’s nothing like having nice 2-year-old fillies,” Baffert said. “We’re aiming for the Debutante if it all goes well.”
Holmby remained unbeaten after two starts with a neck victory over Ruiva in the Grade 2 Sorrento Stakes at six furlongs. Earlier on the program, Miss Monica won her debut with a dazzling win by 5 3/4 lengths in a maiden race at 6 1/2 furlongs.
Miss Monica was timed in 1:16.44 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 87, among the highest of the year in the division through Wednesday. Harper’s Corner earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 88 with a win by 5 1/4 lengths in the Schuylerville Stakes at Saratoga on July 3.
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Holmby finished the Sorrento Stakes in 1:10.73 and earned a career-best Beyer of 73.
Holmby, by Corniche, races for Michael Talla. Miss Monica, who is by Early Voting and cost $850,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale of 2-year-olds in training in April, is owned by the partnership of Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman.
Holmby and Miss Monica were ridden by Juan Hernandez, who through Wednesday led the standings at the Del Mar summer meeting.
“He is riding with a lot of confidence,” Baffert said.
Baffert has won the Debutante a record 12 times, including the last two years.