DEL MAR, Calif. – The Mark Glatt-trained La Wally made a solid debut to win a five-furlong maiden race for 2-year-old fillies Saturday, gaining a spot on the list of candidates for the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante on Sept. 6.
La Wally ($14.20) stalked the pace and needed the entire stretch to reach the front, winning by a nose over even-money favorite Cherry Cider. Ridden by Antonio Fresu, La Wally was timed in 58.25 seconds.
“It took her every bit of the five-eighths to get up,” Glatt said. “I was a little bit concerned you could catch a fast horse in a five-furlong race.”
Owned by Muir Hut Stables, La Wally is unlikely to start in the first stakes of the year in California for 2-year-old fillies – the Grade 3 Sorrento Stakes at six furlongs on Aug. 10. Waiting for the $300,000 Del Mar Debutante at seven furlongs will benefit La Wally, Glatt said.
“I would expect she’ll run one more time” this summer at Del Mar, Glatt said. “Running three times with a 2-year-old filly is a lot to ask.”
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