There may not be a dirt sprint race for 2-year-olds in the Breeders’ Cup, but Del Mar will feature those runners Nov. 19 in the Bob Hope Stakes (G3).
The Nov. 19 stakes will provide the youngsters with a seven-furlong test that could be an omen for success going forward. It has been a highly successful spot for trainer Bob Baffert, who has won six of the past eight runnings and will send out three of the five starters Saturday.
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 (G1) 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 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) 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
THE PICK: Nysos
TRIFECTA: 5-4-3
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