Spectator Makes Everyone Watch Her Romp in G2 Sorrento

DEL MAR, CA – Rick and Shannon Waller’s Spectator made a field of 2-year-olds watch her romp in Saturday’s Grade 2, $200,000 Sorrento at Del Mar.

After initially trailing the favored Surrender Now through the first 1/4-mile, jockey Jamie Theriot put Spectator ahead and never looked back. The Phil D’Amato-trained filly crossed the wire first in 1:17.66 for the 6 1/2-furlong race.

“She was a runner all the way,” said Theriot. “She broke sharp and she went on with it. Phil said, ‘Ride it as it comes up.’ That’s what I did. I think she’ll run on, too.”

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Dancing Belle was 5 1/4 lengths behind the winner in second after trailing for most of the race. Terra’s Angel was another 4 1/2 lengths back for third, with an additional 6 1/4 lengths to Diamondsandpearls in fourth. Spirit of Shanghai, Midnight Summer, and Surrender Now completed the order of finish.

“After she broke her maiden the way she did (by 5 1/4 lengths on June 23 at Santa Anita), we just kind of let her grow up these past few weeks,” said D’Amato. “This (race) has been on the radar from the get-go and we just let her mature, and she sure did. She’s still trying to figure it out in some ways. She’s just a bunch of raw talent, and she’s getting better and better.”

Spectator returned $10.40 to win, $4.40 to place, and $3.80 to show. Dancing Belle brought back $8.60 to place and $5 to show, while Terra’s Angel paid $10.40 to show.