Very game Holmby wins “match race” in Sorrento S. (G3)

A field of six went postward in Sunday’s $150,000 Sorrento S. (G3) at Del Mar, but the race developed into a two-horse contest between the Bob Baffert-trained Holmby and Ruiva.

Holmby would ultimately prevail by a neck over her foe, with the rest of the field some eight lengths back. Ruiva would get the early lead with Holmby stalking in third for the first quarter-mile. Going into the turn, Holmby went after Ruiva and the pair cleared off by four lengths turning for home. Ruiva continued to hold the lead until the final strides when Holmby was able to get past.

The final time for the six furlongs was 1:10.73 on a fast track.

“She was very game,” said Baffert. “I like the way she sat off the pace and ran down a really nice filly [Ruiva]. I’m excited for [owner] Michael Talla. She’ll go on now to the [Del Mar] Debutante. It was fun, just a great weekend.”

Holmby, a 2-year-old daughter of Corniche, who Baffert also trained, is the third Sorrento winner in a row, and 10^th overall for Baffert.