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Mighty Caroline proves best in Sorrento

Mighty Caroline drew off late in a sharp performance (Benoit Photos) John Liviakis' homebred MIGHTY CAROLINE (Stormy Atlantic) overhauled pacesetter River Kiss (Awesome Gambler) in midstretch and drew clear to a 1 1/4-length victory in Friday's $150,000 Sorrento S. (G3) at Del Mar. Joel Rosario had the mount for trainer Melody Conlon, and the two-year-old gray filly completed 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15 3/5 on the Polytrack. A front-running debut winner on June 12, Mighty Caroline set the pace in the July 16 Landaluce S. at Hollywood Park before being caught late by Killer Graces (Congaree), finishing second by a half-length. She reverted to rating tactics in the Sorrento, stalking in second while River Kiss established an opening quarter-mile in :22 4/5 with a 1 1/2-length lead. Mighty Caroline began to reel in the leader on the far turn and entered the stretch on even turns with her rival. River Kiss fought back but couldn't sustain her run to the wire, weakening in the final furlong. She saved second by a head over Heleonor Rugby (Tribal Rule), who rallied from last in the seven-horse field.

Off as the 4-1 second choice, Mighty Caroline paid $10, $5.20 and $3.60 for her first stakes win. River Kiss was overlooked at 11-1, and Heleonor Rugby was sent postward as the 5-1 third choice. Willa B Awesome (Awesome Gambler) came next in fourth and was followed by Made to Love Her (Stevie Wonderboy), even-money favorite Killer Graces and Wee Highland Lass (Include). Silent Sue (Silent Name [Jpn]) was scratched.

The Kentucky-bred Mighty Caroline is the first foal out of the unraced Maria's Mon mare, who is also responsible for a yearling filly by After Market and a 2011 filly named Mighty Katherine (Seeking the Dia). Mighty's Caroline's third maternal dam is multiple Grade 1 winner Over All (Mr. Prospector), who is responsible for Grade 2 queen For All We Know (Stephen Got Even) and multiple stakes victor Hustler (Strawberry Road [Aus]).

This is also the female family of Grade 3 winner Necessary Evil (Harlan's Holiday), the 2009 Sorrento runner-up.

Mighty Caroline, who has now earned $140,000 in three starts, will make her next start in the seven-furlong Del Mar Debutante (G1) on September 3.

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