Bullard went from last to first heading into the stretch Sunday at Del Mar scoring an authoritative victory in the 44th edition of the Grade 3, $100,000 Bob Hope Stakes for 2-year-olds.
Umberto Rispoli did the piloting in the big late rush, getting his colt home by four and three-quarters lengths at the end of the seven-furlong test, run in a final time of 1:22.55. Michael McCarthy trains the winner, who was capturing his second race in his second start. The son of Gun Runner went favored in the dash at 11/10 and returned $4.20.
The dark bay or brown youngster, a $675,000 yearling purchase, is owned by the partnership of St. Elias Stable, Talla Racing, Three Chimneys Farm and West Point Thoroughbreds. He earned a check for $60,000 in the Bob Hope and now has winnings of $105,000.
Finishing second was first-time starter Madaket Road, who is owned by a partnership headed by SF Racing, Starlight Racing or Madaket Stables. He had two and three-quarter lengths on third-place finisher McKinzie Street, who runs in the silks of Amestoy, Amestoy Jr. and Beasley. Five horses in all competed in the dash.
Racing takes a break at the shore oval until its return on Friday with a first post of 3:30 p.m. EDT.
Photo: Jason Moran / Eclipse Sportswire Jockey Mychel Sanchez will serve a seven-day suspension and pay an additional $1,750 in fines
Photo: Gulfstream Park / Lauren King Sovereignty, dramatic late-running winner of the Fountain of Youth (G2) March 1, is being pointed
Photo: Santa Anita / Benoit Photo Cavalieri and Alpha Bella, who finished one-two in the Grade 3 La Cañada in January at Santa Anita,
Photo: Gonzalo Anteliz Jr. / Eclipse Sportswire The stars will shine Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs, and not just in the Grade 3 Tampa Ba