Baffert duo Miss Monica, Holmby head Del Mar Debutante

Although Bob Baffert shifted a considerable portion of his stable to Kentucky this year, the Hall of Famer still figures to play an outsized role in Southern California’s leading two-year-old stakes.

A case in point is the $300,000 Del Mar Debutante (G1), a race Baffert has won a record 12 times and will be a major player in again on Saturday. The seven-furlong Debutante attracted a field of 10, including two from the Baffert stable.

Second-time starter Miss Monica was the easiest of winners first out Aug. 9, scoring by 5 3/4 lengths as a 1-2 favorite going 6 1/2 furlongs. She breaks from post 9 with Juan Hernandez up, while stablemate Holmby, who was along in time to capture the Sorrento (G3) by a neck on the same card, breaks from post 8.

Trainers Richard Mandella and the Kentucky-based Brendan Walsh also entered two each in the Debutante. Mandella’s best chance might come from Well Versed, a clear second to Miss Monica in their mutual debut.

Walsh ships in Fast Amy, a two-length maiden winner at Ellis Park last time, and Panda Listen, who has competed exclusively in Ohio-bred stakes so far. After a career-opening second in the Tah Dah S. at Belterra, Panda Listen romped home by six lengths in the Miss Ohio S. at Thistledown.

Among the others lining up are Sorrento third Crazy Hot Mess, CTBA S. winner Free Closer, and Ellis Park Debutante runner-up For the Win.

The supporting feature on the card is the $100,000 Del Mar Juvenile Turf (G3) over one mile.