Looking for the Last Laugh in Bob Hope Stakes
By: Nick Costa, Trackside with Trackman
Hello, race fans! Our ThoroFan Race of the Week takes us to Del Mar on Sunday for the Grade 3 Bob Hope Stakes, a seven-furlong test on the dirt for two-year-olds.
The race has a long history, dating back to 1981 when it was first run as the Hollywood Prevue Stakes at Hollywood Park. After that track closed, the race moved to Del Mar and was renamed in honor of the legendary entertainer.
Last year's renewal was canceled after only three horses were entered, but the 2026 edition is ready to go with a field of seven juveniles. Trainers Doug O'Neill and Bob Baffert account for the entire lineup, with O'Neill sending out five entrants and Baffert represented by the other two. With the field set, the focus now turns to which horse will come out on top in this year's renewal.
A Look at the Field
This year's field presents an intriguing handicapping puzzle. All seven entrants are lightly raced juveniles, with just 19 career starts combined. With so little experience to draw upon, determining which horses are ready to take the next step forward will be a key part of the analysis.
With O'Neill holding five of the seven spots in the field and Baffert accounting for the other two, that concentration of runners from two powerful training operations adds another layer of interest. But the deciding factors will be what each horse has accomplished so far and how their running styles match up.
At seven furlongs, early positioning and pace could play a major role. With several runners possessing early speed, the question is whether one can establish control or whether pressure near the front will create an opportunity for a horse sitting just off the leaders.
How We See the Race Playing Out
The pace picture starts with Baffert's Domus, who owns the strongest early-pace figure in the field from his most recent race. He has faced Grade I competition in the American Pharoah and Del Mar Futurity, and the cutback to seven furlongs could suit him. The addition of blinkers is another factor to watch. However, Domus won't necessarily get an easy lead with O'Neill's High Pronto and Dats Improbable also possessing early speed.
If those horses push the pace, Kivo could be in an ideal position. He has the field's best last-race speed figure and has shown the ability to compete with strong company. His running style suggests he can settle behind the leaders and make his move without getting caught up in the early battle. That combination makes him our top choice.
Domus remains a serious threat. He has shown the strongest overall credentials in the field and has been tested against tougher company. His early speed could prove decisive if he gets comfortable on the front end. The concern is whether the pressure from the other speed horses will leave him vulnerable late.
Fractious is our third selection. His late-pace figure is the best in the field, and if the leading trio goes too quickly early, he could be the one finishing strongest in the stretch. He will need to improve on his overall speed to beat the top two, but the race setup gives him a plausible route to victory.
Sip It deserves consideration as well. He posted a competitive recent speed figure and could save ground from the rail while tracking the leaders. His move from turf to dirt adds some uncertainty. Therefore, Fractious gets the edge in our rankings.
Del Mar's recent seven-furlong results suggest a possible advantage for early speed, although the sample is small and the trend should be treated with caution. If Domus can establish a comfortable lead, he could be tough to catch. However, if the other speed horses challenge him early, Kivo and Fractious could benefit.
Our Selections
1. Kivo — The strongest blend of recent speed, class, and a potentially favorable stalking trip.
2. Domus — A class-tested speedster who has faced top-level competition. He can win if he controls the race, but pressure from the other front-runners could leave him vulnerable late.
3. Fractious — The late-running threat. He needs the pace to work in his favor, but he could be dangerous if the leaders tire.
Wagering Strategy
We'll put our money behind Kivo and Domus in the win pool, with Kivo getting the larger share as our top selection. Our $100 budget calls for $40 to win on Kivo and $30 to win on Domus.
We'll use the remaining $30 on three $5 exacta boxes:
- $5 exacta box: 7 Kivo / 4 Domus
- $5 exacta box: 7 Kivo / 2 Fractious
- $5 exacta box: 4 Domus / 2 Fractious
Each $5 exacta box covers both possible finishing orders for its two horses, costing $10 altogether. This gives us coverage if Kivo or Domus wins, while also including Fractious in case the pace favors the closer.
Our plan is to lean on Kivo, respect Domus's class and speed, and use Fractious as a potential beneficiary of a demanding pace.
Good luck with your wagers and as always, enjoy the race!!
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