Weston possible for Bob Hope Stakes

Weston, the winner of the Grade 2 Best Pal Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar in August, may start in the Grade 3 Bob Hope Stakes at seven furlongs at Del Mar on Nov. 15.

On Sunday at Santa Anita, Weston worked six furlongs in 1:12.20. Trainer and co-owner Ryan Hanson said Weston has trained steadily in recent weeks and in individual workouts, often running each furlong in approximately 12 seconds.

“He clips around there and does it easily,” Hanson said. “He’s doing it continuously and that’s what I like. He does it week to week.”

The $100,000 Bob Hope Stakes is the leading race for 2-year-olds on dirt at the Del Mar autumn meeting.

:: Start earning weekly cashback on your wagering today. Click to learn more.

Co-owned by Chris Drakos, Weston has won 2 of 3 starts and has earned $150,000. Weston was beaten for the first time in his career when third by 5 1/2 lengths to Dr. Schivel in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs on Sept. 7.

Dr. Schivel is not currently in training. Spielberg, second in the Del Mar Futurity, won a maiden special weight race at a mile at Del Mar on Sunday.

Hanson said the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 19 is a long-term goal for Weston before the end of the year.

The Bob Hope Stakes is unlikely to draw a large field. Since 2015, the race has drawn 7, 5, 6, 5, and 4 starters.

Gutierrez suspended

Jockey Mario Gutierrez has been suspended three days – from Nov. 13-15 – after losing an appeal of a suspension issued in July.

Gutierrez appealed the decision, which was recently overruled by the California Horse Racing Board, according to a ruling issued on Sunday by Del Mar stewards Ron Church, Luis Jauregui, and Kim Sawyer. In the original ruling, Gutierrez was cited for causing interference in a race at Los Alamitos on June 28.