Amalfi Sunrise Clearly the Best in Sorrento

DEL MAR, CA – Doug Branham and Marsha Naify’s Amalfi Sunrise ran as beautifully as an Italian coastal aurora on Saturday when she asserted her talent over the field in the $200,000 Sorrento Stakes (G2) at Del Mar.

Breaking from post 3 as the 3/5 favorite under Norberto Arroyo, Jr., Amalfi Sunrise raced between Comical and Princess Mo down the backstretch and into the far turn. As she hit the 5/16 pole, Amalfi Sunrise began to stride away powerfully, and it was all over from there.

With the rest of the field under a ride, Amalfi Sunrise was the one to catch as she ran home easily. The Simon Callaghan trainee’s 6-length score came in a final time of 1:10.96 for the 6-furlong sprint over the fast main track.

“Oh, I had a ton of horse, Arroyo, Jr. said. “She’s a very nice filly. Maybe the best filly I’ve ever been on to this point, and I’ve been on some nice fillies. She’s something special.”

Powerfulattraction came on late from the rear to nose out Shedaresthedevil for second. Behind them came Shanghai Keely and the weakened pair of Princess Mo and Comical to complete the order of finish.

Amalfi Sunrise’s win was her second in as many starts, having won her debut at Santa Anita Park on June 23. The 2-year-old daughter of Constitution has now earned $159,000 and will likely be the favorite in the Debutante Stakes (G1) here on August 31.

“It really was impressive the way she drew away at the end,” said Callaghan. She’s a naturally fast filly and that’s the way she likes to run, up near the pace. She took a lot of heat and still was able to pull away which was very professional.”

Amalfi Sunrise returned $3.40 to win, $2.60 to place, and $2.10 to show. Powerfulattraction brought back $8.20 to place and $4.20 to show, while Shedaresthedevil paid $2.80 to show.