A wickedly fast pace set things up nicely for Bullard to score a convincing victory in the $100,000 Bob Hope (G3) at Del Mar on Sunday.
The 11-10 favorite trailed the field of five two-year-olds through the opening half-mile, with Kalea Bay carving out the opening quarter in :21:63 and McKinzie Street covering the opening four furlongs in a blistering :43.93.
A winner on debut at Del Mar in September with a similar last-to-first trip, Bullard kicked into gear approaching the turn for home, seized command from McKinzie Street with a little more than a furlong remaining, and drew off to handsome 4 3/4-length tally under Umberto Rispoli.
“I thought the pace was very fast, something that I was wishing before the race,” Rispoli said. “And I know he was a little bit off the bridle in the beginning. I just think he is a horse that deserves a bit more distance.”
Owned in partnership by breeder Three Chimneys Farm, St. Elias Stable, Talla Racing, and West Point Thoroughbreds, Bullard returned $4.20 after completing seven furlongs over a fast track in 1:22.55. The son of Gun Runner is trained by Michael McCarthy, who last captured the Bob Hope in 2014 with No Problem.
Madaket Road, a first-time starter trained by Bob Baffert, rallied to finish second, 2 3/4 lengths ahead of multiple Grade 1-placed McKinzie Street. Maximus and Kalea Bay completed the order of finish.
Now an earner of $105,000, Bullard was bred in Kentucky and was produced by Reve d’Amour, a daughter of Warrior’s Reward who has also reared the multiple stakes winner Mundaye Call. Bullard sold for $675,000 at Keeneland September.
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