Maximus

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,...

During the nine-year stretch from 2006-2014, no fewer than five European-bred and -raced gallopers were successful in the BMW Hong Kong Derby: Viva Pataca (GB) (Marju {Ire}, 2006); Helene Mascot (Ire) (Peintre Celebre, 2008); Collection (Ire) (Peintre Celebre, 2009); Akeed Mofeed (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}, 2013); and Designs On Rome (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), 2014). Sunday's 2000-metre feature at Sha Tin includes five horses--four European-bred, one US-bred--that were imported with this very race in mind. Here is a brief recap of how they have gotten to this point. For handicapping...