A field of seven line up in the Friday feature at Del Mar, the $250,000 Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) at the marathon distance of 1 ½ miles.
The Leonard Powell trained Mo Chara is the 5-2 morning line favorite. The four-year-old gelding is a three-time winner on turf but comes into the race riding a six race losing streak. Ryan Curatolo has the return ride and will break from the seven post
Prince Abama is the 3-1 second choice. The gelding will be saddled by Phil D’Amato, the gelding has landed in the exacta in 6 of his 9 trips on turf including a runner up finish in the restricted Lure in his last outing.
The Hollywood Turf Cup is the seventh race on the nine race card on Friday. First post is 12:30 PT.
The stakes action at Del Mar continues on Saturday with the $250,000 Seabiscuit Handicap (G2). Sunday’s feature is the $150,000 Native Diver (G3).
Watch and wager on the action at Del Mar at PlayUp Racebook. New players can earn up to a $250 deposit bonus.
Let’s head out to Del Mar for Friday’s featured race of the day:
Del Mar Race 7 The Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) Post time 3:30 PT
7 Dicey Mo Chara 5-2
4 Avenue 5-1
6 Prince Abama 3-1
1 The Grey Wizard 4-1
Dicey Mo Chara
This gelding has lost six in a row but is coming off a solid effort in the John Henry Turf Championship (G2) at Santa Anita at 1 ¼ miles. The Powell trainee tracked a moderate early pace set by Masteroffoxhounds who got clear turning for home. Our top pick came with a good late rally in between foes to come up just a neck short. He gets some extra ground here at ½ miles. His lone trip on turf at this distance was a good second in the San Luis Rey (G3) back in March. He should see an honest pace in front of him.
Avenue
This colt did not care much for dirt last out in the Tokyo City (G3) where he faded and was eased on Oct. 2. He beat Alw-1 optional claimers two back at 1 3/8 miles and three back was a game third in the San Juan Capistrano (G3) at 1 ¾ miles. The switch back to turf should suit him and he has worked smartly since his last outing.
Prince Abama
This guy tries 1 ½ miles for the first time here for the D’Amato that has been live at the meet. Last out he could not catch a loose on the lead gate to wire winner in a runner up finish in the restricted Lure at a mile. He has not been beyond 1 1/8 miles but has the pedigree to get more ground and picks up Prat.
