Under a warm September sky and the ocean breeze rolling in from the Pacific, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert kissed the nose of his star filly Himika after Friday’s schooling gallop. “She’s got that spark,” he said with a grin, as fans pressed against the paddock rail for a glimpse of the unbeaten $900,000 juvenile. On Saturday, Baffert will unleash her — along with two stablemates — in the 75th running of the Grade I, $300,000 Del Mar Debutante, the crown jewel of the summer season for 2-year-old fillies.
The seaside track will host an electrifying 11-race card to close out its summer meet, featuring not just the Debutante but also the Grade II, $250,000 John C. Mabee Stakes and the $100,000 Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf. First post is set for 1:30 p.m., with crowds expected to pack the stands one final time before the gates close on this 31-day festival of speed.
Himika Set to Lead Baffert’s Triple Assault in Del Mar Debutante
The spotlight shines brightest on Race 6, where Baffert looks to extend his incredible dominance in the Del Mar Debutante — he’s already won it 11 times and now has three chances to make it an even dozen.
Leading the charge is Himika (Kazushi Kimura, 2-1), already a two-time winner, including a commanding score in the Sorrento Stakes on August 10. Alongside her are Explora (Juan Hernandez, 8/5), an eye-catching debut winner on August 17, and Bottle of Rouge (Mike Smith, 5-1), who stormed home stylishly at Del Mar last month.
Del Mar Debutante Field (Race 6)
Explora (Juan Hernandez, 8/5) | Himika (Kazushi Kimura, 2-1) | Fourlynnes (Hector Berrios, 20-1) | Grandma Mary (Ricardo Gonzalez, 8-1) | Bottle of Rouge (Mike Smith, 5-1) | La Wally (Antonio Fresu, 10-1) | Bourbon and Ginger (Mirco Demuro, 8-1)
With a stacked field and fresh talent, the Debutante promises a race worthy of its reputation — speed, heart, and possibly another Baffert masterpiece.
Defending Champion Returns in John C. Mabee Stakes
Race 9, the 68th running of the John C. Mabee Stakes, offers its own intrigue over nine grassy furlongs. Defending champion Hang the Moon (Kazushi Kimura, 5-1) returns but faces a formidable test from Medoro (Umberto Rispoli, 5/2), whose tactical speed has made her a fan favorite this summer.
Trainer H. Graham Motion ships in Gimme a Nother (Juan Hernandez, 3-1) from the East Coast, adding extra star power to an already competitive lineup. With several deep-closing types in the mix, this promises to be a late-stretch thriller.
John C. Mabee Stakes Field (Race 9)
Mahina (Drayden Van Dyke, 12-1) | Public Assembly (Antonio Fresu, 6-1) | Mission of Joy (Hector Berrios, 12-1) | Medoro (Umberto Rispoli, 5/2) | Hopeful (Kent Desormeaux, 8-1) | Kentucky Gal (Edwin Maldonado, 12-1) | Gimme a Nother (Juan Hernandez, 3-1) | Baltic Fire (Serafin Carmona, 12-1) | Hang the Moon (Kazushi Kimura, 5-1)
Wide-Open Battle Looms in Juvenile Fillies Turf
Race 7, the 14th running of the Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf, is an open puzzle, with 13 contenders stretching out to a mile on the Jimmy Durante course. Among the leading names is La Ville Lumiere (Kazushi Kimura, 7/2), whose dazzling turn of foot caught attention in morning drills. Queen Bay (Juan Hernandez, 9/2) looks dangerous under Del Mar’s top rider, while Yours Sincerely (Ricardo Gonzalez, 5-1) could strike if the pace heats up early.
With last year’s winner Thought Process having gone on to multiple stakes success, Saturday’s renewal could reveal the next turf superstar.
Read the full coverage and latest updates stay tuned to RaceBuzz.
