There may not be a dirt sprint race for 2-year-olds in the Breeders’ Cup, but opportunities will abound once Jan. 1 arrives and the juveniles become 3-year-olds. One race that can showcase a promising sprinter in the new year is Saturday’s Bob Hope Stakes.

The Grade 3 Del Mar stakes provides the youngsters with a seven-furlong test can be an omen for success going forward and that has been a highly successful spot for trainer Bob Baffert, who has won six of the last eight runnings and will send out three of the five starters on Sunday.

1. Tejon Pass (5-1 morning-line odds): Has the rail and some early speed, which will help his chances. Was off slowly in his debut when fourth and then led gate-to-wire in his second and most recent start. Seems a small notch slower than the others.

JOCKEY: Mike Smith; TRAINER: Peter Miller

2. Mission Beach (6-1): The first of Baffert’s trio set a testing pace in the seven-furlong Hopeful Stakes before weakening in the final furlong and fading to fifth. Given all of the speed in the race, a more patient ride might work to his benefit.

JOCKEY: Juan Hernandez; TRAINER: Bob Baffert

3. Wine Me Up (5-1): Tired badly in the 1 1/16-mile FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance​ and cuts back to a one-turn sprint. Runs without blinkers here and should be stalking just off the early leaders. The quick return to the races seems like a signal that he came out of the World Championships fine.

JOCKEY: Ramon Vasquez; TRAINER: Bob Baffert

4. Stronghold (3-1): Looked good winning a mile maiden race at Churchill Downs and should have no problem with the distance. Figures to be a major player who should be in the picture at the end.

JOCKEY: Antonio Fresu; TRAINER: Phil D’Amato

5. Nysos (4-5): Looked dynamic in a lopsided maiden win for Baffert. Led throughout and won by 10 1/2 lengths in fast time. If he can duplicate that effort, he will be very difficult to beat.

JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Bob Baffert

THE PICK: Nysos

TRIFECTA: 5-4-3