Monday’s $400,000 Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) attracted just five entrants, but the 1 1/4-mile feature serves up an intriguing clash between Stilleto Boy and Royal Ship at Santa Anita.

C R K Stable’s Express Train suffered a heartbreaker when collared late in the 2021 Santa Anita H. (G1), but the 11-10 favorite would not be denied the trophy in Saturday’s $651,000 renewal.

Last seen winning the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Essential Quality will open his 3YO season against six rivals in Saturday’s Southwest S. (G3) at Oaklawn Park.

The Lewis shapes up as arguably the trickier race to handicap, with a well-matched field. But the Holy Bull might have a greater impact over the long haul, by producing a major Derby contender.

Bob Baffert has won 10 runnings of the $100,000 Bob Hope Stakes (G3) over the past quarter-century, including four of the six editions held at Del Mar since 2014.