Nooni Set to Shine in Grade 1 FanDuel Racing Del Mar Debutante

This Saturday, the Grade 1 FanDuel Racing Del Mar Debutante at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will showcase 2-year-old fillies, including standout Nooni, in a seven-furlong race. She is an unbeaten Florida-bred filly by Ocala Stud’s renowned sire Win Win Win; she is expected to maintain her perfect record as she competes in the 74th running of the event.

Nooni, trained by Bob Baffert, enters this Grade 1 race with a perfect 2-for-2 record and a $1.8 million price tag. Her strong performances have built high expectations for this race, scheduled as the fourth of eleven on the card. The Del Mar Debutante will start around 6 p.m. EDT, after the first race at 4:30 p.m.

The race will feature Nooni competing against six other 2-year-old fillies. This year’s event is particularly significant as Baffert seeks to secure his eleventh victory in the Del Mar Debutante, a race he has dominated historically. The legendary trainer’s first win in this race came with Batroyale back in 1995, and his success has continued with a remarkable ten victories to date.

Nooni’s recent performances suggest she could be Baffert’s strongest contender this weekend. Nooni has shown remarkable speed and stamina, most notably in her previous start when she claimed victory in the G3 Sorrento Stakes at Del Mar. Her performance in that race, which was conducted over six furlongs, earned her a notable speed figure of 94. The added distance of the Del Mar Debutante is expected to suit her well, further bolstering her chances of success.

Joining Nooni on race day will be leading jockey Juan Hernández, who is seeking his first win in the Del Mar Debutante. Hernández’s partnership with Nooni adds an extra layer of excitement, as the skilled rider looks to make his mark in this prestigious race. Starting from post 2, Nooni will be positioned to take full advantage of her racing skills and the expertise of her experienced jockey.

The Del Mar Debutante is a key racing event in the US racing calendar, attracting top contenders and drawing significant attention from racing enthusiasts. The race is seven furlongs long on dirt, making it a tough test for the young fillies. With its history and $300,000 purse, it’s a key event for horses aiming to stand out in thoroughbred racing.

As Nooni prepares for this high-stakes race, the anticipation continues to build. Her undefeated record, coupled with Baffert’s track record and Hernández’s ambition, creates a compelling narrative for this year’s Del Mar Debutante. Racing fans and industry insiders will be eagerly watching to see if Nooni can become the first Florida-bred winner of the Del Mar Debutante since Ike and Dawn Thrash’s Tell a Kelly claimed the title in 2010.

This exciting race will take place at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club-a place with picturesque scenery and elite horserace events. The Del Mar Debutante is expected to be a festival of sheer joy as summer racing at Del Mar winds down.

With Nooni in the spotlight, this race will highlight young talent and the skill of her team. Fans will be closely watching as the undefeated filly tries to prove she’s a rising star in thoroughbred racing.