In the first domestic graded race for juveniles since the Breeders’ Cup a little more than two weeks ago, ‘TDN Rising Star’ Bullard (c, 2, Gun Runner–Reve d’Amour, by Warrior’s Reward) stayed unbeaten to capture Del Mar’s GIII Bob Hope Stakes Sunday. The $675,000 Keeneland September purchase had gone to the post favored over highly regarded GI Del Mar Futurity runner-up and GI American Pharoah Stakes third McKinzie Street (McKinzie), who would hit the board once again.
Umberto Rispoli, who has been aboard in both of Bullard’s two career starts, was immediately effusive in his praise of the colt…