The first-time starter Hoop Dream may have history on his side when he has his debut in a maiden special weight race for California-breds in Sunday’s second race.

Hoop Dream is out of Ruff Proof, who won a $30,000 claimer for maidens in her debut on the same date in 2014 at 28-1 for trainer David Bernstein, who starts Hoop Dream. Ruff Proof is out of Hello Ruffie, who won her debut in March 2002 in a $32,000 claimer for maidens at 42-1.

Bernstein trained Hello Ruffie and has high hopes for the 4-year-old Hoop Dream, who will be ridden by Tyler Baze.

“I hope it continues,” Bernstein said. “Tyler really likes him.

“We gave him some time for some small issues. Now he’s really good. It was the right thing to do. He seems to be pretty good.”

Bernstein co-owns Hoop Dream with Alan Aidekman and Diane Alshie.

“Let’s hope he can give the thrills that the mother and the grandmother did,” Bernstein said.

Hoop Dream is part of a field of six that includes A Man’s Man, who was a good second in his debut on Dec. 8 and Afternoon Heat and Grandpa Louie, who have each run well at times but are winless in five starts.