Old acquaintances set to clash in the Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes at Del Mar

Truly Quality, Balnikhov and Nineeleventurbo finished 1-2-3 in last year’s edition and will meet again this time around

Truly Quality aims to repeat his victory from 12 months ago / BENOIT PHOTO

DEL MAR, California (Special to Turf Diario).- The Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes (G2, $200,000, 2400m, turf) will once again bring together this Friday at Del Mar the same three protagonists from last year, in an eagerly awaited rematch that promises another thrilling finish over the marathon trip.

The 2024 winner, Truly Quality, will attempt to defend his crown in what will be just his third start of the season. The Augustin Stables runner, bred by the legendary George Strawbridge Jr., returned in February with a modest sixth in the San Marcos Stakes (G3) and then, after seven months on the sidelines, finished a close fourth in the Del Mar Handicap (G2), just half a length behind, showing clear signs of a resurgence.

A specialist at the distance, the Quality Road colt has raced three times over 2400 meters, winning twice — both over this very course — a statistic that further strengthens his credentials as a leading contender.

His runner-up from last year, Balnikhov (Adaay), will be looking for revenge. With an uneven campaign in 2025, the Phil D’Amato trainee opened the year with a 10th-place finish in the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) and gradually improved thereafter, finishing eighth in the Del Mar Handicap. However, he regained confidence with a solid victory on Nov. 2 in an allowance optional claiming over the local turf.

Owned by Little Red Feather Racing, Madaket Stables, and Old Bones Racing Stable, he is also the only millionaire in the field, which underlines his standing among the nine nominated runners.

Third in 2024 was Nineeleventurbo, beaten 1 1/2 lengths by Truly Quality. The son of More Than Ready, trained by veteran Neil Drysdale, also returned this year after a long layoff. He was third in the Wickerr Stakes, then fifth in the Tapit Stakes, second in an allowance at Kentucky Downs, and fourth at Keeneland. His consistency keeps him firmly in the mix.

Another notable name is Balladeer (Distorted Humor), winner of the John Henry Turf Championship (G2) in 2023, though he has gone 14 starts since without another win, including a run in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1). Moreover, he is still seeking his first victory in five attempts at 2400 meters, making the distance a lingering question mark.

Trainer Leonard Powell will be doubly represented by Flashiest (Mizzen Mast) and Grogu (Get Stormy). The former, a gelding, has run just twice at the graded level since 2021, while the latter will be making his debut in black-type company.

With a lineup that blends experience, revenge and proven class, the Hollywood Turf Cup once again shapes up as a key fixture on the California turf staying calendar.