Baffert has strong group of 2-year-olds for Desi Arnaz, Bob Hope

DEL MAR, Calif. – Two-year-olds racing seven furlongs are the upcoming focus at Del Mar, Nov. 16-17, with the $100,000 Desi Arnaz Stakes for fillies on Nov. 16, and the Grade 3 Bob Hope Stakes on Nov. 17.

Six of the eight Desi Arnaz nominees are trained by Bob Baffert including 2-for-2 stakes winner Silent Law; Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante winner Tenma; and impressive debut winner Mawu. The Desi Arnaz typically produces starters for the Grade 2 Starlet at Los Alamitos, a 1 1/16-mile race for 2-year-old fillies scheduled for Dec. 7. Vodka With a Twist, runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, is possible for the Starlet.

Seven colts are nominated to the Bob Hope, which Baffert won seven of the last nine years. Baffert nominated three to the Bob Hope including runaway maiden winner Kalea Bay and unraced Madaket Road. Tim Yakteen trains Bob Hope nominee McKinzie Street, runner-up in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity and Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes last out at Santa Anita. Bullard, impressive debut winner trained by Michael McCarthy, also is nominated.

The Bob Hope typically produces starters for the Los Alamitos Futurity, a 1 1/16-mile race for 2-year-olds scheduled for Dec. 14.

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