Nooni’s star continues to rise with Sorrento S. (G3) win

Nooni became Bob Baffert’s record eighth Sorrento S. (G3) winner with a gate-wire-score in the six-furlong race for 2-year-old fillies.

Nooni was a star well before she even raced. Owner Amr Zedan paid $1.8 million for her to top the 2024 OBS March 2-year-old sale. She didn’t disappoint in her first start, which came on June 13 at Santa Anita Park, winning by 9 ½-lengths and being named a TDN Rising Star.

Nooni had the inside post in the six-furlong Sorrento, and was hustled out of the gate to ultimately take the lead after an early three-horse tussle for the top spot. After fractions on :21.87 and :44.90, Nooni had a one-length lead turning for home. Vodka With a Twist gave chase, but could get no closer than 1 ½-lengths at the wire.

“When you’re on the inside like that you have to go,” said Baffert, who also trains third-place finisher Casalu. “I was hoping they wouldn’t be battling each other (for the early lead). They went fast early but I like the way Nooni kept on going. I haven’t really trained her that hard but she’s just got real class. Two-year-old, second out, you don’t know how they’re going to respond to the dirt but these are nice fillies.”

In her two wins, Nooni has earned $122,400. She was bred by Ocala Stud, Joseph M. O’Farrell III, David O’Farrell, et al.