Messier was one of three Bob Baffert trainees entered in the seven-furlong main track event. Jockey Flavien Prat did not rush the 2-year-old Messier early in the $98,000 Bob Hope Stakes (G3) Nov. 14 at Del Mar, but that didn’t keep the Empire Maker colt from cruising to a 3 1/2-length victory. Messier was a $470,000 purchase by Donato Lanni, agent for SF/Starlight/Madaket, from Sam-Son Farm at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton Selected Yearlings Showcase. Named for the former NHL player Mark Messier, he is now a two-time winner from three starts and broke his maiden at second asking Oct. 22 at Santa Anita. His earnings stand at $105,600 for owners Golconda Stable, Madaket Stables, SF Racing, Siena Farm, Starlight Racing, Waves Edge Capital, Catherine Donovan, Robert Masterson, and Jay Schoenfarber.