It’s Black Friday, and today we will go shopping for a winner here today at Del Mar. We will take a look at the Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes The race will be a mile and a half on the turf course.
Del Mar Race 7 – Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes (Grade 2)
We have 10 horses entered for this turf stakes race here today. The 1 Rimprotector is your typical early scratch that occurs in California from time to time. Also, the 2 Cabo Spirit (12/1 morning line) is cross entered into the seventh race tomorrow at Del Mar.
Favored in this stakes race is the 11 Truly Quality (5/2 ML). He comes into today’s race after winning at Woodbine in the Singspiel Stakes. This gelding is a consistent closer and loves these longer races.
The 3 Dicey Mo Chara (4/1 ML) returns here at Del Mar after last being seen finishing fourth at Santa Anita. He is back after two months and will be on or close to the lead here today. The distance does not appear to be a problem here. If Cabo Spirit scratches, he appears to be the horse setting the fractions today.
The 9 Balnikhov (6/1 ML) like Dicey Mo Chara returns today after a two-month break who was last seen at Santa Anita in the John Henry Turf Classic. He was bumped around the 3/16 pole last time out. He has a strong kick as well here and will look to make one big move in the stretch.
The 10 Goldeneye (12/1 ML) closed to win an allowance at Keeneland last month going today’s distance. He steps up in class here today. Seems like he is a horse that will love the 12-furlong distance here today.
Joe’s Pick
There is a distinct possibility that Dicey Mo Chara will be alone on the lead here. Even so, I think there is some class closers in this race that can make up for the speed, or lack thereof, up front.
Balnikhov and Truly Quality are the two horses that should catch the leaders in the stretch. Balnikhov’s kick appears to be stronger, and I’ll take him to win the Hollywood Turf Cup here at Del Mar. I’ll call this race 9-11-3-10 and my play is $20 to win on the 9.
Best of luck everyone, and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
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