Sorrento Stakes

The Sorrento Stakes is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for two-year-old fillies over a distance of six furlongs on the dirt track scheduled annually in August at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. The event currently carries a purse of $150,000.

Sorrento Stakes

Grade III race
Location	Del Mar Racetrack Del Mar, California
Inaugurated	1967
Race type	Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Website	Del Mar
Race information
Distance	6 furlongs
Surface	Dirt
Track	Left-handed
Qualification	Two-year-old Fillies
Weight	123 lbs with allowances
Purse	$150,000 (since 2024)

History

The event was inaugurated on 7 October 1967 during the then Del Mar Fall meeting and was run over a distance of 7+1⁄2 furlongs on the turf course. It was won by Windsor Honey who was ridden by US Hall of Fame jockey Johnny Sellers with a time of 1:303⁄5.^[1] The event was idle for two years, and when it resumed the event was scheduled early in the summer meeting in 1970 and needed to be split into two divisions at a distance of six furlongs.^[2]

The event has had several changes in distance but returned to the six furlong sprint in 2018.^[3]

In 1986 the event was classified as Grade III and was upgraded to Grade II in 1994.^[4] However, the event was downgraded back to Grade III in 2004 before being upgraded once more in 2015.^[4]

The event's position in the racing calendar at Del Mar has led to the race being a preparatory race for the Del Mar Debutante Stakes which is usually scheduled for several weeks later.

The race has produced some prodigious young fillies who have gone on to capture Juvenile honors and even progress as older fillies and mares. Notable winners of this event include the 1972 winner, Windy's Daughter,^[5] whose win in the race was part of an undefeated seven-race season. The following year the filly was crowned the first California-bred Horse of the Year.^[5] The 1986 winner Brave Raj not only captured the Sorrento Stakes–Del Mar Debutante Stakes double, but also went on to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies becoming the richest two-year-old filly in history winning $911,150 during the season.^[6] The filly Silverbulletday won this event in 1998. Later that year she would also win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and be crowned the US Champion Two-Year-Old Filly. The 2001 winner Tempera easily won as the odds-on favorite by nine lengths,^[7] the largest victory length in the event and also went on to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and be crowned the US Champion Two-Year-Old Filly. The last filly to win the Sorrento Stakes and also the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies was Champagne Room in 2016.

Records

Speed records:

• 6 furlongs – 1:09.00 Windy's Daughter (1972)
• 6+1⁄2 furlongs: 1:15.60 – Batroyale (1995)
• 7 furlongs: 1:22.00 – Lite Light (1990)
• 1 mile: 1:35.80 – Hazel R. (1979)

Margins:

• 9 lengths – Tempera (2001)

Most wins by a jockey:

• 6 – Laffit Pincay Jr. (1976, 1980, 1987, 1989, 1993, 2000)
• 5 – Bill Shoemaker (1972, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1984)
• 5 – David Flores (1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007)

Most wins by a trainer:

• 8 – Bob Baffert (1991, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2004, 2012, 2015, 2024)

Most wins by an owner:

• 3 – Elmendorf (1974, 1975, 1978)

Sorrento Stakes – Del Mar Debutante Stakes double

• Windy's Daughter (1972), Fleet Peach (1973), Queen to Be (1975), Telferner (1976), Arewehavingfunyet (1985), Brave Raj (1986), Batroyale (1995), Chilukki (1999), Mi Sueno (2009), Executiveprivilege (2012), Bellafina (2018)

Winners

Year	Winner	Jockey	Trainer	Owner	Distance	Time	Purse	Grade	Ref
2024	Nooni	Juan J. Hernandez	Bob Baffert	Zedan Racing Stables	6 furlongs	1:10.41	$147,000	III	[8]
2023	Dreamfyre	Hector Berrios	O. J. Jauregui	Danny A. Eplin	6 furlongs	1:10.52	$201,000	II	[9]
2022	Vegas Magic	Abel Cedillo	Doug F. O'Neill	Omar Aldabbagh, Todd Cady & Ty Leatherman	6 furlongs	1:11.46	$200,500	II	[10]
2021	Elm Drive	Juan Hernandez	Phillip D'Amato	Little Red Feather Racing	6 furlongs	1:10.64	$201,500	II	[11]
2020	My Girl Red	Flavien Prat	J. Keith Desormeaux	Erich G. Brehm	6 furlongs	1:12.12	$150,500	II	[12]
2019	Amalfi Sunrise	Norberto Arroyo Jr.	Simon Callaghan	Doug Branham & Marsha Naify	6 furlongs	1:10.96	$200,351	II	[13]
2018	Bellafina	Flavien Prat	Simon Callaghan	Kaleem Shah	6 furlongs	1:10.61	$201,725	II	[14]
2017	Spectator	Jamie Theriot	Philip D'Amato	Rick & Sharon Waller	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:17.66	$200,690	II	[15]
2016	Champagne Room	Mario Gutierrez	Peter Eurton	Ciaglia, Exline-Border, Gulliver Racing, R. Christensen, D. Legan & S. Alesia	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:16.35	$200,000	II	[16]
2015	Pretty N Cool	Martin Garcia	Bob Baffert	Karl Watson, Michael E. Pegram & Paul Weitman	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:16.94	$200,250	II	[17]
2014	Sunset Glow	Victor Espinoza	Wesley A. Ward	Ten Broeck Farm	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:16.61	$200,000	II	[18]
2013	Concav	Mario Gutierrez	Doug F. O'Neill	Reddam Racing	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:17.45	$150,500	II	[19]
2012	Executiveprivilege	Rafael Bejarano	Bob Baffert	Karl Watson, Michael E. Pegram & Paul Weitman	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:16.98	$150,000	III	[20]
2011	Mighty Caroline	Joel Rosario	Melody Conlon	John M. Liviakis	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:16.75	$150,000	III	[21]
2010	Wickedly Perfect	Rafael Bejarano	Doug F. O'Neill	STD Racing Stable, Peter Moehrke & Rafter JR Ranch	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:17.18	$150,000	III	[22]
2009	Mi Sueno	Michael C. Baze	Eric J. Guillot	Southern Equine Stable	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:14.40	$150,000	III	[23]
2008	Evita Argentina	Tyler Baze	John W. Sadler	Halo Farms & Three Sisters Thoroughbreds	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:17.51	$150,000	III	[24]
2007	Tasha's Miracle	David R. Flores	John W. Sadler	Budget Stable & Team Valor	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:19.59	$150,000	III	[25]
2006	Untouched Talent	Victor Espinoza	Jeff Bonde	Sikura, Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, Vreeland, et al.	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:18.20	$150,000	III	[26]
2005	Bully Bones	René R. Douglas	David La Croix	Gene & Lolli Anderson, Meadowbrook Farms, et al.	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:17.36	$150,000	III	[27]
2004	Inspiring	David R. Flores	Bob Baffert	Robert B. and Beverly J. Lewis	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:18.29	$150,000	III	[28]
2003	Tizdubai	David R. Flores	Eoin G. Harty	Darley Stable	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:17.15	$150,000	II	[29]
2002	Buffythecenterfold	Matt S. Garcia	Melvin F. Stute	Allen A. Brian & Stronach Stables	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:17.39	$150,000	II	[30]
2001	Tempera	David R. Flores	Eoin G. Harty	Godolphin Racing	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:16.13	$150,000	II	[7]
2000	Give Praise	Laffit Pincay Jr.	James K. Chapman	James K. Chapman, Ron Parker & Stuart Tsujimoto	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:17.88	$150,000	II	[31]
1999	Chilukki	David R. Flores	Bob Baffert	Stonerside Stable	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:16.40	$150,000	II	[32]
1998	Silverbulletday	Gary L. Stevens	Bob Baffert	Michael E. Pegram	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:17.56	$108,300	II	[33]
1997	Career Collection	Corey Nakatani	Wallace Dollase	Golden Eagle Farm	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:17.83	$107,825	II	[34]
1996	Desert Digger	Eddie Delahoussaye	Marcelo Polanco	6 C Stable	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:16.03	$105,950	II	[35]
1995	Batroyale	Gary L. Stevens	Bob Baffert	Mr & Mrs Robert H. Walter	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:15.26	$104,200	II	[36]
1994	How So Oiseau	Pat Valenzuela	Brian A. Mayberry	Jan, Mace & Samantha Siegel	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:15.89	$80,850	II	[37]
1993	Phone Chatter	Laffit Pincay Jr.	Richard E. Mandella	Herman Sarkowsky	6+1⁄2 furlongs	1:16.23	$79,650	III	[38]
1992	Zoonaqua	Eddie Delahoussaye	Brian A. Mayberry	Jerry & Ann Moss	7 furlongs	1:22.67	$82,875	III	[39]
1991	Soviet Sojourn	Corey Nakatani	Bob Baffert	Hal Earnhardt	7 furlongs	1:22.38	$76,350	III	[40]
1990	Lite Light	Russell Baze	Henry M. Moreno	Jack L. Finley	7 furlongs	1:22.00	$81,450	III	[41]
1989	Cheval Volant	Laffit Pincay Jr.	Kenneth J. Jumps	Steve Shapiro, Dave Stark & Kenneth J. Jumps	7 furlongs	1:23.80	$80,325	III	[42]
1988	Stocks Up	Gary L. Stevens	Ted West	Coelho, Merrill & Valenti	7 furlongs	1:23.40	$82,100	III	[43]
1987	Hasty Pasty	Laffit Pincay Jr.	John Gosden	Aaron & Candy Spelling	7 furlongs	1:23.00	$64,200	III	[44]
1986	Brave Raj	Pat Valenzuela	Melvin F. Stute	Dolly Green	7 furlongs	1:22.60	$55,750	III	[45]
1985	Arewehavingfunyet	Pat Valenzuela	D. Wayne Lukas	Spendthrift Farm	1 mile	1:37.00	$56,750	Listed	[46]
1984	Wayward Pirate	Bill Shoemaker	V. James Mayer	Albert Yank	1 mile	1:37.20	$53,580	Listed	[47]
1983	Leading Ladybug	Pat Valenzuela	Melvin F. Stute	William R. Hawn	1 mile	1:40.20	$53,650	Listed	[48]
1982	Time of Sale	Bill Shoemaker	Chay R. Knight	Northwest Farms	1 mile	1:38.40	$54,800	Listed	[49]
1981	First Advance	Bill Shoemaker	Valadez B. Joshua Jr.	Margaret & Frank Rappa	1 mile	1:38.60	$44,100	Listed	[50]
1980	Native Fancy	Laffit Pincay Jr.	Louis R. Carno	Mr. & Mrs. T. M. Cavanagh	1 mile	1:38.80	$38,700	Listed	[51]
1979	Hazel R.	Chris McCarron	Barney Willis	Royce Roberts & Samuel Roffe	1 mile	1:35.80	$32,600	Listed	[52]
1978	§ Beauty Hour	Marco Castaneda	Ron McAnally	Elmendorf Farm	1 mile	1:37.00	$32,650	Listed	[53]
1977	§ My Little Maggie	Bill Shoemaker	Jay M. Robbins	Jay M. Robbins & Jack D. Rogers	1 mile	1:36.40	$27,400	Listed	[54]
1976	Telferner	Laffit Pincay Jr.	A. Thomas Doyle	J. C. Pollard	1 mile	1:36.60	$27,400	Listed	[55]
1975	Queen to Be	Darrel G. McHargue	Ron McAnally	Elmendorf Farm	1 mile	1:36.80	$22,350	Listed	[56]
1974	Spout	Álvaro Pineda	Vincent Clyne	Elmendorf Farm	1 mile	1:36.80	$23,000	Listed	[57]
1973	Fleet Peach	Donald R. Pierce	A. Thomas Doyle	Canadiana Farms	6 furlongs	1:09.20	$21,600	Listed	[58]
1972	Windy's Daughter	Bill Shoemaker	A. Thomas Doyle	Bernice Blackman	6 furlongs	1:09.00	$15,875		[59]
1971	Chargerette	Frank Olivares	Harold C. McBride	Sam Crivello & Santina Webber	6 furlongs	1:09.20	$16,500		[60]
1970	June Darling	William Mahorney	Warren Stute	Clement L. Hirsch	6 furlongs	1:10.80	$13,437		Division 1[61]
	Countess Market	Álvaro Pineda	Linwood J. Brooks	Paul Bouffier		1:10.40	$13,537		Division 2[62]
1968–1969		Race not held
1967	Windsor Honey	Johnny Sellers	Jerry M. Fanning	Hemacinto & Billrick Stable	7+1⁄2 furlongs	1:30.60	$22,825		[1]

Legend:
  All Weather Track   Dirt   Turf
Notes:
§ Ran as part of an entry

See also

• List of American and Canadian Graded races

External links

• 2023 Del Mar Media Guide

References

1. Hebert, Bob (8 October 1967). "Windsor Honey Scores Sweet in Sorrento Stakes at Del Mar (1967 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 7 October 1967)". The San Bernardino County Sun. Associated Press. p. 58. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
2. "SORRENTO STAKES (2ND. DIV.) - DEL MAR, CA". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
3. "SORRENTO STAKES – MULTIPLE TRACKS". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
4. "Sorrento Stakes (Gr. 2)". Equibase. 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
5. "WINDY'S DAUGHTER (USA) ch. M, 1970 – 17 Starts, 12 Wins, 1 Places, 1 Shows Career Earnings: $304,682". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
6. "BRAVE RAJ (USA) br. M, 1984 – 9 Starts, 6 Wins, 0 Places, 1 Shows Career Earnings: $933,650". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
7. "2001 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 7)". Equibase. 4 August 2001. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
8. "2022 Sorrento Stakes presented by Keeneland Sales Grade 5 – (race 5)". Equibase. 10 August 2024. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
9. "2022 Sorrento Stakes presented by Keeneland Sales Grade 2 – (race 6)". Equibase. 12 August 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
10. "2022 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 9)". Equibase. 13 August 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
11. "2021 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 7)". Equibase. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
12. "2020 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 7 August 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
13. "2019 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 5)". Equibase. 3 August 2019. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
14. "2018 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 5 August 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
15. "2017 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 6)". Equibase. 5 August 2017. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
16. "2016 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 4)". Equibase. 6 August 2016. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
17. "2015 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 7)". Equibase. 12 August 2015. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
18. "2014 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 7)". Equibase. 6 August 2014. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
19. "2013 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 7)". Equibase. 7 August 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
20. "2012 Sorrento Stakes Grade 3 – (race 7)". Equibase. 8 August 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
21. "2011 Sorrento Stakes Grade 3 – (race 7)". Equibase. 5 August 2011. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
22. "2010 Sorrento Stakes Grade 3 – (race 7)". Equibase. 6 August 2010. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
23. "2009 Sorrento Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 7 August 2009. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
24. "2008 Sorrento Stakes Grade 3 – (race 7)". Equibase. 6 August 2008. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
25. "2007 Sorrento Stakes Grade 3 – (race 7)". Equibase. 8 August 2007. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
26. "2006 Sorrento Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 5 August 2006. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
27. "2005 Sorrento Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 6 August 2005. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
28. "2004 Sorrento Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 7 August 2004. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
29. "2003 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 9 August 2003. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
30. "2002 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 10 August 2002. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
31. "2000 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 13 August 2000. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
32. "1999 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 7 August 1999. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
33. "1998 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 8 August 1998. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
34. "1997 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 7)". Equibase. 6 August 1997. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
35. "1996 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 7 August 1996. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
36. "1995 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 9 August 1995. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
37. "1994 Sorrento Stakes Grade 2 – (race 8)". Equibase. 12 August 1994. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
38. "1993 Sorrento Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 14 August 1993. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
39. "1992 Sorrento Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 19 August 1992. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
40. "1991 Sorrento Stakes Grade 3 – (race 8)". Equibase. 14 August 1991. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
41. Mieczewski, Bob (16 August 1990). "Lite Light Wins Cap (1990 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 15 August 1990)". The Los Angeles Times. p. 62. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
42. "Favored Cheval Volant Del Mar Winner (1989 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 16 August 1989)". The Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. 17 August 1989. p. 58. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
43. "Gary Stevens Rides Stocks Up To Win (1988 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 22 August 1988)". The Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. 23 August 1988. p. 39. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
44. "Hasty Pasty Wins Feature At Del Mar (1987 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 24 August 1987)". The Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. 25 August 1987. p. 31. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
45. "Brave Raj Wins Del Mar Feature (1986 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 18 August 1986)". The San Bernardino County Sun. The Associated Press. 19 August 1986. p. 35. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
46. Scott, Steve (20 August 1985). "Arewehavingfunyet Wins Without Shoemaker (1985 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 19 August 1985)". The Los Angeles Times. p. 36. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
47. "Thoroughbred Racing Round Up (1984 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 20 August 1984)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 21 August 1984. p. 12. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
48. "Leading Ladybug Wins at Del Mar (1983 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 22 August 1983)". The Los Angeles Times. 23 August 1983. p. 28. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
49. "Longshot Wins at Del Mar (1982 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 16 August 1982)". The San Bernardino County Sun. The Associated Press. 17 August 1982. p. 17. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
50. "Shoemaker Guides First Advance to win (1981 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 17 August 1981)". The San Bernardino County Sun. The Associated Press. 18 August 1981. p. 31. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
51. "Favorite is winner in DM Stakes (1980 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 20 August 1980)". Escondido Times-Advocate. Associated Press. 21 August 1980. p. 56. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
52. "Hazel R. Breaks Del Mar Record (1979 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 20 August 1979)". The Los Angeles Times. 21 August 1979. p. 54. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
53. "Del Mar Charts (1978 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 23 August 1978)". The Los Angeles Times. 24 August 1978. p. 50. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
54. "Del Mar Results (1977 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 24 August 1977)". The San Bernardino County Sun. The Associated Press. 25 August 1977. p. 50. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
55. "Del Mar Results (1976 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 25 August 1976)". The San Bernardino County Sun. The Associated Press. 26 August 1976. p. 79. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
56. "Del Mar Results (1975 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 25 August 1975)". Escondido Times-Advocate. United Press International. 26 August 1975. p. 16. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
57. "Spout in Narrow Victory (1974 Sorrento Stakes – race 8: held 21 August 1974)". United Press International. Escondido Times-Advocate. 22 August 1974. p. 12. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
58. "Calaki Upset by Fleet Peach in Sorrento (1973 Sorrento Stakes – race 7: held 17 August 1973)". The Los Angeles Times. 18 August 1973. p. 46. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
59. "Windy's Daughter Wins (1972 Sorrento Stakes – race 7: held 18 August 1972)". The San Bernardino County Sun. The Associated Press. 19 August 1972. p. 26. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
60. "Chargerette Nips Lady Bug to Win Stakes (1971 Sorrento Stakes – race 7: held 20 August 1971)". The Los Angeles Times. 21 August 1971. p. 42. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
61. "June Darling Triumphs; Two Joys Placed First (1970 Sorrento Stakes Division 1 – race 7: held 21 August 1970)". The Courier-Journal. The Associated Press. 22 August 1970. p. 20. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
62. "Bill Mahorney Bags Triple; Shoe Blanked (1970 Sorrento Stakes Division 2 – race 8: held 21 August 1970)". The Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. 22 August 1970. p. 44. Retrieved 31 July 2020.