Morganite can reclaim spotlight in Del Mar Debutante

DEL MAR, Calif. – Six weeks have passed since the 2-year-old filly Morganite won her debut in a maiden race at five furlongs at Del Mar. Since Morganite’s win on July 16, other fillies have figured prominently in the local 2-year-old division, notably the well-bred maiden winner American Cleopatra and Grade 2 Sorrento Stakes winner Champagne Room.

Morganite can reclaim attention in the $300,000 Del Mar Debutante on Sept. 3, the championship race of the meeting for 2-year-old fillies. The Grade 1 Debutante is run at seven furlongs and has been a goal for Morganite since her maiden win.

“It’s nice spacing, and she’s worked every week,” said John Sadler, who trains Morganite for Pete and Kosta Hronis.

On Friday, Morganite worked six furlongs in 1:14.20, although Sadler timed the filly in a slightly quicker 1:13.60.

Morganite won at five furlongs but should excel in longer races, Sadler said.

“The further they go, the better for her,” he said. “I’m looking forward to running her around two turns.”

Morganite beat Champagne Room in the July 16 race. Champagne Room won the Sorrento Stakes in her next start. American Cleopatra, a full sister to 2015 Triple Crown hero American Pharoah, beat maidens in her debut on July 31.

Other contenders for the Debutante include American Gal, Miss Southern Miss, Noted and Quoted, and Union Strike.

The Debutante is one of two Grade 1 races for 2-year-olds in the final days of the summer meeting. The closing-day feature on Sept. 5 is the $300,000 Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs.

Klimt, the winner of the Best Pal Stakes on Aug. 13, and Straight Fire, a maiden-race winner on Aug. 6, lead a projected field of six that is expected to include Big League, Chasing Aces, Green With Eddie, and Midnight Pleasure.