How to bet the Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes

An overflow field of 14 is signed on for Friday’s $200,000 Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) at Del Mar.

Hollywood Turf Cup Wagers

• $5 Exacta Box: 2,3,5 ($30)
• $.50-cent Trifecta: 2,3,5 with 2,3,5 with all ($30)

Hollywood Turf Cup Analysis

The pace will be solid in the 1 1/2-mile test. #1 North County Guy will leave from the rail, as will the returning #7 Acclimate for Phil D’Amato. I envision the winner to come from off the pace, and I have a few horses that I like in particular.

#2 Oscar Dominguez has not been in great current form in 2020, but the defending champion has endured obvious success on the course and at the trip for Baltas. The Zoffany gelding has a fine turn of foot when he’s on his game, and the combination of an inner post and the presence of pilot Irad Ortiz is very appealing to me at a big number.

#3 Red King defeated the ultra-talented United, among others, in taking the Del Mar H. (G2) on the course two prior. The 6-year-old son of English Channel had a three-race win streak snapped when ninth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) most recently, but he faces a more manageable field in this spot with Rispoli in the stirrups.

The consistently good #5 Arklow makes his Del Mar debut for conditioner Brad Cox. The 6-year-old son of Arch, a Grade 1 victor at the distance last season, comes off an even showing when sixth in the tough Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland. My wagers will focus on the trio.