Bettors had debut winner Amalfi Sunrise favored at 3-5 over graded stakes winner Comical in the $200,531 Sorrento Stakes (G2) August 3 at Del Mar, and the 2-year-old Constitution filly rewarded her backers when she drew off by six lengths to win her second start.
“It really was impressive the way she drew away at the end,” trainer Simon Callaghan said. “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 was bred in Kentucky by Jack Mandato. She was foaled and raised at Hidden Brook Farm in Kentucky and later sold by Hidden Brook at the the 2018 Keeneland September Sale.
Comical, who was 2-for-2 after winning the July 11 Schuylerville Stakes (G3) at Saratoga Race Course, went straight to the lead for a :22.50 opening quarter-mile but weakened early. Amalfi Sunrise, who was only a head behind under jockey Norberto Arroyo Jr., took over to run a half-mile in :45.91 and continued to widen her margin.
She was four in front when she clocked five furlongs in :58.17, then completed six furlongs in 1:10.96 on a fast main track and proved the best by six lengths.
“Oh, I had a ton of horse,” Arroyo 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.”
Amalfi Sunrise topped a trio of juvenile fillies sired by freshman stallions standing at WinStar Farm. The winner was the second black-type scorer this year for Constitution, who also sired Sanford Stakes (G3) victor By Your Side. Arkansas-bred Powerfulattraction, sired by Commissioner , rallied from last of six to take second by a nose over Shedaresthedevil, by Daredevil . Shanghai Keely, Princess Mo, and Comical completed the order of finish.
From her two wins, Amalfi Sunrise has earned $159,000. The Sorrento followed a 6 1/4-length maiden special weight score June 23 at Santa Anita Park.
The dark bay/brown filly was purchased by agent Ben McElroy for $185,000 from Bobby Dodd’s consignment at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. She first went through the ring with consignor Hidden Brook at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where Royal Colors Racing bought her for $40,000.
Amalfi Sunrise is among three weekend stakes winners foaled and sold by Hidden Brook along with new millionaire Mr. Money (G3 West Virginia Derby) and Kallio (Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies Turf S.).
-edited from www.bloodhorse.com
