Himika takes Sorrento S. (G3) in style

Himika had a few anxious moments on the Del Mar backstretch before she found clear sailing on her way to a 4 ¼-length victory in Sunday’s $150,000 Sorrento S. (G3).

Himika is Bob Baffert’s record ninth Sorrento winner, joining the likes of future Hall of Famer Silverbulletday and champion Chilukki.

Himika, the heavy favorite in Sunday’s six-furlong race, took off the pace from her inside post. Kicking into gear with five furlongs to go, she split a pair of horses to move into third, then came in between the top two soon after to challenge for the lead entering the turn. She began to edge clear at the quarter pole, then extended beautifully through the stretch to win in hand.

“You always worry about the one hole. He had a hold of her since she stumbled there and she got behind a little bit,” said Baffert about jockey Juan Hernandez. “She’s young, second out and all, but Juan rode her with a lot of confidence. He put her in the right spot and he had a lot of horse the whole way. When she got to the quarter pole, I felt pretty good about it.”

Himika, who is now 2-for-2 and has earned $126,000, is owned by the Baoma Corp.