HOLLYWOOD TURF CUP GRADE 2
This is a long race and not every horse is cut out for it but some in this field are. The only pace in the race is the #3 Zestful and there are quite a few closers. Who will take the distance today? Who drops in class the best and who steps up the best? Find out my opinions below. Good Luck!
- Ward ‘n Jerry- Florent Geroux- Mike Puype
- With not much early pace lined up in this race this gelding will have to run a race more similar to his previous. Ward ‘n Jerry is coming into this race winning only 1 race out of 5 total starts in the past two years which was his most recent start. I feel as if since 2017 this horse hasn’t been the same but that most recent win might me he has some left in the tank. In order for him to win he has to have a race like last which from that post position I don’t see happening all that easily.
- Brown Storm (CHI)- Abel Cedillo- Michael McCarthy
- Brown Storm is making only his 2nd start in the states after shipping in from Chile. He seemed to show speed in all his starts back in his home country. However his only start in America was not a pleasant one. With that being said and the weird change in run style coming to America, I just don’t like the spot for him.
- Zestful- Joe Talamo- Mark Glatt
- Zestful seems to be the true early pace setter. That being said, he should have an advantage today if he can set an easy lead early on. He seems to be more of a dirt horse however but has taken the turf pretty well also. He ran a great race in the Marathon last time out but that was on dirt but if that run style comes into effect today he can win. Will use him in horizontals and verticals but he will have to beat me straight up as he is not my top pick.
- High Promise- Jose Valdivia Jr.- Patrick Gallagher
- High Promise seems to be trying to live up to his name in Patrick Gallagher’s eyes but not in mine. I think class is the main issue with this horse being in this spot. He has never run in a stakes race so this is a huge and I mean huge step up in class. If he can somehow make the jump up to this class range, I still don’t think he can find the right trip to win. He will have to beat me today.
- Chosen Vessel- Tyler Baze- Craig Dollase
- Chosen Vessel is also stepping up to unknown territory for himself. I think the step up for this one is a little more outrageous than others in this field however. I think a small barn like Craig Dollase is taking a bit of a risk with this one and he will have to beat me at a price.
- Cleopatra’s Strike – Manuel Franco- Phil D’Amato
- Cleopatra’s Strike is a legit contender in this field in my opinion. I think ever since coming to the Phil D’Amato barn he has really come into form. I think the slight layoff is really beneficial for him and that he might be sitting on a career race right now. Manuel Franco ships out west to ride today as well which is a plus and I think he will really like the Del Mar turf course.
- Oscar Dominguez (IRE)- John Velazquez- Richard Batlas
- Oscar Dominguez really benefits from a speed duel more than anything. He is a real big closer and I think the lack of early pace setters would really effect him in my opinion. I think he will be closing late regardless but I will be looking elsewhere.
- Itsinthepost (Fr)- Drayden Van Dyke- Jeff Mullins
- Itsinthepost is another legit contender but I think he wants longer than the distance given today. I think a Mile and a Half is fine for him but I think he likes a Mile and a ¾ ths a little more. I think Drayden will have him sitting right off the pace which is perfect for these long races. Top 3 choice for me especially due to most recent form.
- Overdue- Mike Smith- Phil D’Amato
- I think Mike Smith rather ride dirt races so that’s a negative for me on this horse since this is a turf race. However, this fella has been really coming into form and Phil has been working this horse pretty consistently. I think the distance could be an issue as it is really hard to close going that long. Distance is my main issue so I will be looking elsewhere.
- United- Flavien Prat- Richard Mandella
- Flavien Prat gets the outside post for Mandella and is coming into this race in good form. He is dropping into this class out of a Breeders Cup race in which he just got beat by Bricks and Mortar who is the best turf horse in the country. He should be able to get the distance easily and with the class relief he could romp this field. Prat is always on the best horses in his opinion and this one seems to be the best despite the post.
TOP PICKS
#10 United
# 6 Cleopatra’s Strike
#8 Itsinthepost