2023 Bob Hope Stakes at a Glance

There may not be a dirt sprint race for 2-year-olds in the Breeders’ Cup, but opportunities will abound once Jan. 1 arrives and the juveniles become 3-year-olds. One race that can showcase a promising sprinter in the new year is Saturday’s Bob Hope Stakes.

The Grade 3 Del Mar stakes provides the youngsters with a seven-furlong test can be an omen for success going forward and that has been a highly successful spot for trainer Bob Baffert, who has won six of the last eight runnings and will send out three of the five starters on Sunday.

1. Tejon Pass(5-1 morning-line odds): Has the rail and some early speed, which will help his chances. Was off slowly in his debut when fourth and then led gate-to-wire in his second and most recent start. Seems a small notch slower than the others.

JOCKEY:Mike Smith; TRAINER: Peter Miller

2. Mission Beach(6-1): The first of Baffert’s trio set a testing pace in the seven-furlong Hopeful Stakes before weakening in the final furlong and fading to fifth. Given all of the speed in the race, a more patient ride might work to his benefit.

JOCKEY:Juan Hernandez; TRAINER: Bob Baffert

3. Wine Me Up (5-1): Tired badly in the 1 1/16-mile FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance​ and cuts back to a one-turn sprint. Runs without blinkers here and should be stalking just off the early leaders. The quick return to the races seems like a signal that he came out of the World Championships fine.

JOCKEY:Ramon Vasquez; TRAINER: Bob Baffert

4. Stronghold (3-1): Looked good winning a mile maiden race at Churchill Downs and should have no problem with the distance. Figures to be a major player who should be in the picture at the end.

JOCKEY:Antonio Fresu; TRAINER: Phil D’Amato

5. Nysos(4-5): Looked dynamic in a lopsided maiden win for Baffert. Led throughout and won by 10 1/2 lengths in fast time. If he can duplicate that effort, he will be very difficult to beat.

JOCKEY:Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Bob Baffert