New tactic pays off for Sunset Glow in Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante
Sunset Glow won the $300,000 Del Mar Debutante for 2-year-old fillies by a neck over Her Emmynency on Saturday.
Ridden by Victor Espinoza, Sunset Glow ran seven furlongs on Polytrack in 1:23.12 and paid $3.80, $3 and $2.40 as the 4-5 favorite.
Her Emmynency returned $4.20 and $3.40, while Conquest Eclipse was another three-quarters of a length back in third and paid $5 to show in the Grade 1 race that attracted a field of nine.
Espinoza changed his tactics for the race, laying back against the early speed and then making a run.
''I know she's been used to running up front, but I thought we'd have to come from the back. I'm sure glad it worked out,'' he said.
''She gives me confidence; she responds to what you want to do. There was never a doubt she would go through those holes. No hesitation. I'm proud of her for that. She got a little tired at the end, but she's the kind that will probably run on.''
Sunset Glow led all the way in winning the Sorrento Stakes earlier in the Del Mar meet for trainer Wesley Ward, who plans to return the filly to his Kentucky base.
In the $90,000 Harry F. Brubaker Stakes for older horses, Blue Tone won by a head over Big Bane Theory.
Ridden by Kent Desormeaux, Blue Tone ran one mile on Polytrack in 1:36.03 and paid $3.20, $2.20 and $2.10
Big Bane Theory returned $3.40 and $2.60, while Calm Pacific was another 4-1/4 lengths back in third and paid $4 to show.
