Baffert expects Mastery to excel, starting with Bob Hope

DEL MAR, Calif. – There’s no hiding trainer Bob Baffert’s enthusiasm when it comes to Mastery, who is one of his most-promising 2-year-olds. Mastery won first time out at Santa Anita, and his main goal before year’s end is the Grade 1 CashCall Futurity next month at Los Alamitos.

The road there goes through the Grade 3, $100,000 Bob Hope Stakes on Saturday at Del Mar, in which Mastery figures to be an odds-on favorite against a handful of rivals.

“We’re very high on him,” Baffert said. “He’s been really impressive in the morning and really impressive in the afternoon.”

Mastery, hammered to 1-5 for his debut on Oct. 22, romped by 4 1/4 lengths in the six-furlong maiden race while earning an impressive Beyer Speed Figure of 93.

“He’s come back and worked well since the race,” Baffert said.

On Saturday, Mastery will try to stretch out to seven furlongs, an intermediate stop toward the 1 1/16 miles of the CashCall Futurity. Toward that end, Baffert is removing the blinkers that Mastery wore first time out.

“I don’t think he needs them,” Baffert said. “The whole key is for him to go long. This is to set him up for the Futurity.”

Four others entered the race, including the multiple stakes winner California Diamond and another Baffert trainee, Bernin Sensation.

Bob Hope, Race 5

KEY CONTENDERS

Mastery, by Candy Ride

Beyer: 93

◗ Rafael Bejarano was aboard for his first start, but since he is sidelined with a sore right hand, Mike Smith takes over.

◗ Mastery trained at Del Mar during the summer, but did not race.

“That’s my only concern,” Baffert said. “He didn’t go well over that surface then. I think he got tired because he wasn’t fit. He’s a different horse now.”

California Diamond, by Harbor the Gold

Last 3 Beyers: 78-83-82

◗ Easily the most-experienced and -accomplished horse in the field, he already has run seven times, and owns five victories and two seconds. He heads into this race riding a three-race win streak, having captured the Golden State Juvenile for California-breds last time out at Santa Anita.

Bernin Sensation, by Bernardini

Last 3 Beyers: 45-74-73

◗ He faded readily against California Diamond last time out in the Speakeasy at Santa Anita on Oct. 16, but he ran well here during the summer meeting, dropping a nose decision to Oopper Wallah.

Oopper Wallah, by Congrats

Beyers: 77-73

◗ He should appreciate a return to a sprint, having won his debut on dirt here at Del Mar before trying turf and two turns last time out.

Ann Arbor Eddie, by Square Eddie

Beyer: 64

◗ He was an easy winner at Santa Anita against California-bred maidens in his lone start, and is facing far tougher here.